Training Program Bridging Stem Cell Research with Clinical Applications in Regenerative Medicine

Millions of Californians suffer from incurable diseases, ranging from arthritis to debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. The promise of stem cell research to identify cures for many of these diseases has never been greater, but significant progress requires an influx of new, talented researchers and clinicians. This program is focused on rigorous training of the next generation of stem cell researchers and clinician-scientists, who will develop and implement the cures of the future. These trainees will become the research faculty who push stem cell research forward at major California universities, as well as the entrepreneurs who start new companies to produce cell and gene therapies for patients. These trainees will continue the enormous growth of stem cell science and regenerative medicine in California, generating billions of dollars of tax revenue and bettering the lives of patients looking for new types of treatments for debilitating disease. The track record of the host institution in trainee development, as well as its well-developed research and academic programs, make it highly qualified to run the proposed training program. The novel focus of the training program in bringing basic researchers and clinicians together reflects the mission of this next phase of CIRM to translate cutting-edge stem cell research into patient therapies.