Developing a Skilled and Diverse Master’s-Level Workforce in Regenerative Medicine
Grant Award Details
Grant Number:
EDUC8-20270
Investigator(s):
Award Value:
$3,868,800
Status:
Pre-Active
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
Developing a Skilled and Diverse Master’s-Level Workforce in Regenerative Medicine
Public Abstract:
The proposed master’s-level Bridges training program is designed to prepare a diverse and highly skilled workforce for careers in regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine—including stem cell research, gene therapy, and cell-based treatments—holds tremendous promise for addressing unmet medical needs. Continued progress in this field requires professionals with expertise in laboratory science, translational research, regulated manufacturing, and clinical research, guided by ethical and patient-centered considerations.
The Bridges program is the cornerstone of the home institution’s Master of Science in Biotechnology degree. The program integrates advanced graduate coursework with a 12-month, full-time research internship in stem cell and regenerative medicine laboratories, embedded within the 21-month master’s program. Recruitment and admissions are guided by an Adaptive Outreach and Recruitment Plan (AORP) designed to expand access and strengthen participation from students across diverse backgrounds. Trainees receive coordinated cross-institutional mentoring from faculty trained in inclusive mentoring practices to support academic progress, research development, and career planning throughout the program. They gain rigorous preparation in stem cell biology, gene editing and cell-based therapies, molecular and cellular techniques, data analysis, and experimental design, along with exposure to regulatory science and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) that govern cell and gene therapy development. Beyond technical training, the program emphasizes teamwork, professional development, and science communication, with trainees presenting their work at scientific meetings, including a CIRM-sponsored trainee conference. Stipend and tuition support reduce financial barriers and enable full-time engagement in coursework and research.
The program also emphasizes patient engagement and community outreach. Through interaction with patients, advocates, and diverse communities, trainees gain a deeper understanding of healthcare equity and access, including how genetic, environmental, and social determinants shape disease risk, treatment outcomes, and access to therapies. By promoting inclusive research and equitable access, the program prepares graduates to advance solutions that reduce disparities and ensure regenerative therapies benefit all Californians.
Through sustained hands-on research and close collaboration between the home and host institutions, this initiative provides trainees with meaningful, immersive experience in real-world regenerative medicine settings. Graduates are prepared for roles in biotechnology, academic research, clinical research organizations, regulated manufacturing, and related sectors supporting California’s regenerative medicine workforce, contributing responsibly to the field’s continued growth.
The Bridges program is the cornerstone of the home institution’s Master of Science in Biotechnology degree. The program integrates advanced graduate coursework with a 12-month, full-time research internship in stem cell and regenerative medicine laboratories, embedded within the 21-month master’s program. Recruitment and admissions are guided by an Adaptive Outreach and Recruitment Plan (AORP) designed to expand access and strengthen participation from students across diverse backgrounds. Trainees receive coordinated cross-institutional mentoring from faculty trained in inclusive mentoring practices to support academic progress, research development, and career planning throughout the program. They gain rigorous preparation in stem cell biology, gene editing and cell-based therapies, molecular and cellular techniques, data analysis, and experimental design, along with exposure to regulatory science and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) that govern cell and gene therapy development. Beyond technical training, the program emphasizes teamwork, professional development, and science communication, with trainees presenting their work at scientific meetings, including a CIRM-sponsored trainee conference. Stipend and tuition support reduce financial barriers and enable full-time engagement in coursework and research.
The program also emphasizes patient engagement and community outreach. Through interaction with patients, advocates, and diverse communities, trainees gain a deeper understanding of healthcare equity and access, including how genetic, environmental, and social determinants shape disease risk, treatment outcomes, and access to therapies. By promoting inclusive research and equitable access, the program prepares graduates to advance solutions that reduce disparities and ensure regenerative therapies benefit all Californians.
Through sustained hands-on research and close collaboration between the home and host institutions, this initiative provides trainees with meaningful, immersive experience in real-world regenerative medicine settings. Graduates are prepared for roles in biotechnology, academic research, clinical research organizations, regulated manufacturing, and related sectors supporting California’s regenerative medicine workforce, contributing responsibly to the field’s continued growth.
Statement of Benefit to California:
This program strengthens California’s leadership in regenerative medicine by preparing a highly skilled, master’s-level workforce equipped to support stem cell research, gene therapy, and cell-based treatment development. Through hands-on training and immersive internships in translational and regulated research environments, graduates are prepared to meet workforce needs across biotechnology, manufacturing, and clinical research sectors. By developing a diverse pipeline of scientists and promoting inclusive research practices, the program helps ensure that advances in regenerative medicine benefit all Californians. These efforts contribute to economic growth, expand access to high-quality biomedical careers, and improve health outcomes across the state.