CGS-authored
A performance review of California's stem cell institute says the fledgling agency needs to improve several policies, better document how it reaches its policy decisions and further justify some salaries.
But the report released yesterday by the state Bureau of Audits said the institute already has addressed some issues auditors raised during their four-month review, such as how it solicits bids for services.
And yesterday, the agency said it would follow all of the bureau's recommendations except one: the suggestion that it require public conflict of interest disclosures by a committee of scientists that recommends which research grants should be funded.
"The auditors' careful examination of the policies and procedures of the institute has been very valuable in helping us to assess our performance, as have their suggestions for specific areas for improvement," said Zach Hall, president of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
The institute is "committed to earning the trust of the public as responsible stewards of the state's funds," Hall said. "In this regard, the audit report has been helpful and has made us a stronger agency."...