Dr. Weissman is one of the leading stem cell experts in the world. He was the first scientist to identify and isolate stem cells in any species and the first to isolate blood-forming stem cells in humans. His discoveries opened many new avenues for research and treatment of many different kinds of cancers. Dr. Weissman is currently the Director of Stanford's Institute for Cancer/Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, where his breakthrough research offers new hope for the treatment of cancer, diabetes and other diseases. Dr. Weissman was instrumental on the passage of Proposition 71, which will fund more than $3 billion worth of stem cell research over the next 10 years in California.