Year 6

The 2014-2015 UC Davis CIRM Stem Cell Training Program supported 7 graduate students, 7 postdoctoral fellows, and 2 clinical fellows that participated in projects covering a broad range of translational and clinical stem cell research. The scholars attended the weekly journal club, core courses, workshops, seminars, annual symposia, and the training program retreat. The UC Davis Stem Cell Training Program includes (1) experienced, well-funded mentors; (2) established graduate and training programs that provide the spectrum of experiences in undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate training and education; (3) essential methodologies, techniques, and facilities relevant to basic, translational, and clinical training in stem cell research; (4) a clinical enterprise that includes a medical school, teaching hospital, veterinary school, NIH Clinical and Translational Science Center, Primate Center, and exceptional infrastructure including the CIRM Translational Human Embryonic Stem Cell Shared Research Facility and Institute for Regenerative Cures which support basic, translational, and clinical stem cell/regenerative medicine research; (5) a strong, collaborative framework in which to mentor and cultivate young investigators using a team approach, with special efforts for underrepresented groups; (6) core facilities that provide essential equipment and expertise in cell and molecular biology, in vivo imaging, genomics, animal models, biostatistics and bioinformatics, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP); and (7) community outreach and public education, including advocacy by our leadership council, community advisors, and Scientific Board of Advisors. The objective of the training program is to provide scholars with a comprehensive, coordinated, and carefully planned experience with state-of-the-art multidisciplinary team training to ensure they become productive, critical thinking, highly trained, and well-rounded collaborative scientists with research careers in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. Graduates of the program are employed in academia and industry where they continue to advance new and innovative therapies for patients throughout California and beyond, with the development of new technologies that enhance local and state economies.