Dr. Jane Lebkowski, former executive vice president and chief scientific officer at Geron Corporation, gave the keynote address for the 2011 CIRM Bridges Trainee Meeting held July 7-8 in Burlingame, California. Geron began the first clinical trial in the world using human embryonic stem cells. The trial was testing the cells as a potential therapy for spinal cord injury. The trial was discontinued in November 2011 (read our press release). Lebkowski was introduced by Art Torres, vice chair of the CIRM Governing Board, and Pat Olson, executive director of CIRM scientific activities.