Hans Keirstead, PhD

Dr. Hans Keirstead is an internationally known stem cell expert and serial entrepreneur who has led therapy development for spinal cord injury, cancer, immune disorders, motor neuron disease, retinal disease, and COVID-19. He has founded 4 successful biotechnology companies and holds board positions at several prominent companies in the space. Previously, he was Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of California, Irvine, where he co-founded and directed the $77 million Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center. He was a founding advisor of the California stem cell initiative that resulted in the $8.5 billion CIRM stem cell fund and has been a long-time advisor to several governments on biomedical policy. Dr. Keirstead’s work in spinal cord injury earned him the distinction of being one of 100 top scientists of the year in Discover Magazine. He received his Ph.D. from University of British Columbia.