b'LET TER1 On behalf of the University of Connecticut, I am pleased to welcome you to StemCONN 2021: Regenerative Medicine in the 21st Century. This is a wonderful opportunity for scientists, policy makers, industry partners,and students to advance knowledge and forge new collaborations in this critical area of path-breaking research.The University of Connecticut is a proud contributor to the states efforts to shape and guide the stem cell and regenerative medicine fields. Since 2006, the UCONN Stem Cell Core has made major contributions to Connecticuts stem cell initiatives by making available a central source of technologies and research materials to scientists in academia and industry. A collaborative effort that draws on UCONN Storrs, UCONN Health, and the Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine in Farmington, the Stem Cell Core represents the best of what can be accomplished through initiatives like Bioscience Connecticut, which to date has resulted in nearly two dozen biotech startup companies.This fall, UCONN will also welcome the first cohort of students to pursue the newly created Masters of Science in Regenerative Engineering, the first program of its kind in the world. Training a transdisciplinary workforce in regenerative engineeringwhich sits at the convergence of stem cell science, developmental biology, materials science, and other disciplineswill enable Connecticut to be at the forefront of developments in this field, like the limb regeneration research being conducted at UCONN.The University of Connecticut is committed to this work, and to the partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies, and other world-class universities that make it possible. Across efforts like Venture Development and Technology Incubator Program (TIP), we places a high premium on working with innovators and entrepreneurs in these fields.To date, TIP has generated more than 700 patents, with roughly $463 million raised by its companies in the most recent fiscal year.As we build on the early fruits of these collaborations, the University is helping chart a course for bioscience in Connecticut that will make thestate an international center of advancement and industry; indeed, it isnttoo much to say these efforts will be regenerative for our state in more than one way.Sincerely,Thomas KatsouleasPresident University of Connecticut'