b'TRIBUTE7 Milton B. Wallack Trainee Award forExcellence in Stem Cell ResearchStemCONN 2021 will recognize excellence in research conducted by predoctoral or postdoctoral trainees through a merit-based award that recognizes highly innovative and important stem cell research. This year 2 awards will be bestowed. The Milton B. Wallack Trainee Award for Excellence in Stem Cell Research is presented in honor of Dr. Milton B. Wallack, a founder of the Connecticut Stem Cell Coalition, a longtime member of the Connecticut Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee, and a consultant to the Regenerative Medicine Research Fund Advisory Committee. The naming of this award both acknowledges and honors Dr. Wallack for his passionate support for stem cell research in the state of Connecticut. Through his efforts to bring together diverse interests toward a common purpose, Connecticut passed the Stem Cell Investment Act in 2005an Act supported by our state legislators, former Governor Rell, and the people of Connecticut that committed $100 million in stem cell research funding over ten years. Dr. Wallack then worked with others to create the Regenerative Medicine Research Fund under Governor Malloy, which continued funding for stem cell and regenerative medicine research to the present. Thanks in large part to these initiatives, Connecticut is now one of the top contributors to stem cell research. Success in this groundbreaking research support required countless hours to initiate the Connecticut Stem Cell Coalition, lobbying and establishing meaningful relationships with members of the state legislature, including former State Senator (now federal senator) Chris Murphy, forging long-lasting connections between investigators throughout the state, and working with Connecticut Innovations. Since passage of the bill, Dr. Wallacks tireless efforts continue in maintaining relationships with people in the legislature, assuring that Connecticut stem cell funding has continued to this day.Dr. Wallack has played a critical role in organizing each biennial StemCONN meeting, and served for many years as a devoted and hardworking member of the Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee (now called the Regenerative Medicine Research Advisory Committee), written countless editorials to local newspapers and business publications in favor of federal and state stem cell funding, helped Yale and UCONN with fundraising efforts, and has served as a member of the Connecticut Economic Development Committee. Dr. Wallack promotes collaborative scientific research between universities in Connecticut and Israel, as well as raises funds to support these international collaborations. Dr. Milton Wallack has served the Connecticut stem cell community with unflagging optimism, diligence, and hard work. Dr. Wallack truly lives a life devoted to making the world a better place. In addition to all that he has done for Connecticuts stem cell endeavors, he has contributed significantly to the Jewish community, juvenile diabetes care and research, and educational efforts throughout the state and the country. His leadership is worthy not only of honor but also emulation.'