Education and Training
Training the Next Generation of Scientists
CIRM’s Education and Training programs are a vital link to tomorrow.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) offers invaluable educational and training pathways in regenerative medicine tailored for students and young professionals representing the diversity of California.
Four CIRM-funded internship and training programs—SPARK, Bridges, COMPASS, and Scholars—support the next generation of regenerative medicine scientists, ranging from high school and undergrad students to doctoral candidates and clinical fellows. Each program offers hands-on experience for students to build the technical skills that are crucial for present and future scientific and medical advancements.
Growing the Regenerative Medicine Workforce
CIRM believes in providing opportunities in regenerative medicine accessible to individuals across various educational backgrounds and skill levels to foster a diverse workforce adept in stem cell science.
Regenerative therapies are transforming the field of medicine as we know it. With the largest biotechnology employment base in the nation, California biotech companies are actively seeking new talent to research, develop, and manufacture stem cell therapies. To bring the full potential of regenerative medical breakthroughs to market and to the world, California needs a large, diverse, and skilled scientific workforce.
SPARK
The Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge (SPARK) offers California high school students an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on training in stem cell research at some of the leading research institutes in California.
Bridges
The Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy program (Bridges) prepares California undergraduate and master’s graduate students for highly productive careers in stem cell research and therapy development.
COMPASS
By combining hands-on research opportunities with strategic and structured mentorship experiences, COMPASS (Creating Opportunities through Mentorship and Partnership Across Stem Cell Science) prepares a diverse group of undergraduate students for careers in regenerative medicine.
CIRM Scholars
CIRM Scholars is a research training program that fosters and enhances the research experience of basic and clinical scientists during the doctoral and immediate postdoctoral stages of their career, helping them become skilled leaders in the field of regenerative medicine.
