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CIRM Scientific Strategic Planning

The CIRM Scientific Strategic Plan was approved by the ICOC on December 7, 2006. The plan identifies the long-term objectives CIRM will pursue over the next 10 years. It proposes funding a series of 25 initiatives intended to advance stem cell research in California, including $821.9 million to develop and enhance fundamental knowledge of stem cell biology, $898.5 million for pre-clinical research and development, and $657.1 million for clinical trials and related research, as well as $274.4 million for the renovation and construction of new laboratories and research facilities. The funding levels are approximations, but are guided by Prop 71 and are subject to change by the ICOC. 

The plan defines five- and ten-year goals the Institute will use to measure its progress.  It also includes a "First 1,000 Days" component, specifying how CIRM intends to jump start stem cell research in California in the first three years of the plan.

CIRM will pursue a variety of funding mechanisms to meet its objectives, including two with novel structures that call for interdisciplinary teams, under active management by the Institute, to achieve specific goals. The teams may include members from multiple institutions, and from non-profit, academic as well as commercial research institutions.

The plan includes an extensive discussion of the lengthy timeline required to bring new potential therapies forward to clinical applications. At the end of 10 years, CIRM expects therapies for several diseases to advance to early stage clinical trials, with additional therapies for other diseases ready for clinical development.

Work on the plan began in October 2005, when CIRM sponsored an international scientific conference, Stem Cell Research: Charting New Directions for California. The plan was drafted by CIRM’s staff with assistance from PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, and drew on three additional scientific conferences, individual interviews, and focus group discussions involving nearly 200 scientific experts, patient advocates, and public interest and private sector representatives. A Strategic Planning Advisory Committee, composed of members of the ICOC, leading scientists, patient advocates, and representatives from the private sector, met regularly in public meetings as the plan was drafted. There has been strong public participation throughout the process.

• SPAC Member Bios (pdf)
• Scientific Strategic Planning Meeting Calendar (pdf)
• Report from October 2005 Scientific Meeting (pdf)

The CIRM welcomes your comments and suggestions regarding the development of the CIRM scientific strategic plan. Please send them to the following e-mail address: scientificstratplan@cirm.ca.gov.