Professor Ren-Ke Li is a Senior Scientist of the Toronto General Research Institute and the University of Toronto. He was the first investigator to demonstrate that cell transplantation into the injured heart improved cardiac function and these results stimulated extensive clinical trials. His original research into cell therapy and tissue engineering has received international acclaim and recognition. His creative and clinically relevant approaches have resulted in novel clinical therapies for disabled patients. His research program has translated novel basic science discoveries to new clinical therapies. Investigators around the world continue to develop new strategies for cell therapy.