Baltimore County Jobs Supported by Stem Cell Research

Hundreds of Baltimore county jobs (Click here) and positions throughout the state are created by Maryland's stem cell research program.

"Economic Benefits of Maryland's Stem Cell Program already Apparent," a new study conducted by Sage Policy Group, Inc. for the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, found that the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund supports 514 local jobs - with an average salary of $64,000 - and facilitates $71.3 million in business sales throughout the state.

The study found that the program's grants have created:

• 250 direct jobs with $21.8 million in labor income and $35.5 million in business sales
• 104 indirect jobs with $5.5 million in labor income and $14.9 million in business sales
• 160 induced jobs with $6.8 million in labor income and $20.9 million in business sales

"The findings of this economic development analysis validate, on paper, what supporters of stem cell research in our state have been saying for years – that Maryland’s investment in stem cell research is not only critical to advancing science, but to moving our state’s economy forward," Gov. Martin O’Malley said.

"Without the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund, more than 500 Marylanders would be without a job and millions of direct and indirect dollars in state revenue would be lost," he continued. "In this uncertain economy, the continued investment in stem cell research remains sound and valuable."

The study also found that Maryland's stem cell industry has been able to return almost $3 million to state and local government through support of income generation, retail activity and property tax payments.

"The impressive results of this study support the work of the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission and the goals of the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund," John Wasilisin, acting president and executive director of TEDCO, said. "The fund has reached great milestones since its inception in 2006, including our program's stellar national reputation which attracts the best and brightest in the field to the State of Maryland. With the support of the Governor and the legislature, our greatest achievements are still to come and we look forward to the work that lies ahead.”

The study was based on data from the first two years of the MSCRF, during which time the commission awarded 82 projects totaling $38 million to Maryland stem cell researchers.