A new Concise Review from the laboratory of Cesario V. Borlongan (University of South Florida, USA) summarizes the current state of affairs regarding stem cell therapy in stroke patients, which currently are deemed safe but not effective. The authors believe that failed clinical trials may be due to a loss in translation of optimal stem cell transplantation protocols from the laboratory to clinical trial designs and advise a concerted effort between basic scientists and clinicians, with NIH and Food and Drug Administration guidance, to promote the safe and effective translation of stem cell therapy for stroke in the future. For a fascinating read, head over to STEM CELLS Translational Medicine now!