Remembering Susan L. Solomon

The ISSCR is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Susan L. Solomon. Susan was a driving force for stem cell research, tireless advocate, respected mentor, and dear friend who left an indelible legacy in the field of stem cell science.

“Susan was a beloved leader in promoting stem cell research whose passion and energy have inspired so many in the field,” ISSCR President Haifan Lin said. “She was also a dear friend to me whose thoughtfulness and smile will always live in my heart. Her legacy will not be forgotten.”

After founding the New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) in 2005, Susan expertly steered its growth into one of the most impactful nonprofit organizations dedicated to stem cell research. Under Susan’s leadership, NYSCF has raised and invested hundreds of millions of dollars for stem cell research at the NYSCF Research Institute, through its extramural funding programs, and for educating the next generation of scientists.

At the 2020 ISSCR Annual Meeting, Susan was honored with the ISSCR Public Service Award for her impact on the field of stem cell research. During her award recognition, which included a tribute from the myriad scientists she supported, former ISSCR President Deepak Srivastava said, “I’m honored to recognize Susan Solomon the 2020 ISSCR Public Service Award for her tireless contributions to the stem cell research community and unwavering commitment to creatively support scientific excellence and investigators in the pursuit of breakthrough discoveries.”

Susan championed scientific excellence and is described by colleagues as a strong leader, particularly when advocating for diversity and inclusion of young scientists and women in the field. The outpouring of support across the ISSCR community is a testament to the enduring influence she will have on the stem cell community.

“Susan Solomon was a dedicated, energetic advocate for stem cell science. Her passion and persuasiveness will be sorely missed,” George Q. Daley, said.

“Susan was an amazing advocate for women in science and took the initiative to define seven actionable strategies that institutes could take to advance the position of women,” Christine Mummery said. “This was just a part of her incredible legacy, one that will not be forgotten.”

 “Susan created a support system for basic and translational research that was much needed for the field to flourish,” said Valentina Greco. “These resources were designed to empower the bold ideas of individual labs as well as bring those labs together to create communities, which collectively moved discoveries forward in ways that could not have happened in isolation. She did this by scrutinizing her selection processes openly, by bringing those labs together and asking for feedback, and by spending time with us to learn and to appreciate the advances we had made. She encouraged risks and she used her power and privilege to change policies that allowed talent from less supported groups to better flourish.”

“Without Susan Solomon, there would be no NYSCF,” Irving Weissman said. “There are few parallels to her, and to her devotion to the stem cell efforts in general and in NYC. She was a long-term friend and colleague; I miss her clear vision, energy, devotion, and warm friendship terribly.”