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

This is a proposal to train the next generation of stem cell researchers at the predoctoral, postdoctoral, and clinical levels. A major emphasis of the training program is to bridge cutting-edge research in stem cell biology with its clinical potential in regenerative medicine. The host institution is uniquely qualified to offer this training program as it has undergone dramatic growth in stem cell research in the last decade. The institution has launched a new Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, opened a dedicated stem cell building financed by private donations and a CIRM Major Facilities Award, and created dedicated PhD and master’s programs in stem cells and regenerative medicine. Key features of this program are an intensive course in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, a course in ethics and regulatory guidelines, a discussion course led by practicing clinicians, and a hands-on workshop in cell and gene therapy manufacturing. The program includes an overnight retreat involving diverse stem cell researchers across multiple schools, career and professional development workshops, and numerous opportunities for interactions with patient advocates and the local community. A unique aspect is the direct involvement of clinicians in all aspects of the training program. Each trainee is required to have a clinical co-mentor, who will guide them in understanding the clinical potential of their research. The program has 60 training faculty in fields ranging from basic stem cell research to bioengineering, computational biology, immunology, and clinical research, providing trainees with a wide range of choices of mentors. The proposed program will train 3 predoctoral, 5 postdoctoral, and 3 clinical fellows, with private donations bringing the number of clinical fellows to 6 per year. This investment in training clinical fellows reflects the goal of the training program to bridge stem cell research with its clinical potential. Trainees will be supported for 2–3 years, and will be expected to perform rigorous research, complete both didactic and hands-on coursework, attend and present their work at weekly stem cell research presentations and an annual retreat, regularly engage with clinicians and patient advocates, and mentor local high school students and undergrads, many of whom come from groups underrepresented in STEM fields. The host institution has a long track record of successful training, including two previous CIRM Training Programs that produced researchers who are now professors at MIT, Columbia, UCLA, UC Irvine, etc., as well as leaders in stem cell-focused biotech companies in California. The formalized mentoring and career guidance available will ensure that the program continues to produce the world-class researchers who will bring future cell and gene therapies to patients suffering from currently incurable diseases.