CIRM Bridges Stem Cell Research and Biotechnology Training Program
Grant Award Details
Grant Number:
EDUC8-20299
Investigator(s):
Award Value:
$4,192,500
Status:
Pre-Active
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
CIRM Bridges Stem Cell Research and Biotechnology Training Program
Public Abstract:
This program will provide advanced-level training in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology for upper-division Bachelor’s, post-baccalaureate, and Master’s students. Participants will be provided with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, technical expertise, and the practical skills needed to succeed in regenerative medicine and to contribute to the development of new treatments and cures. Each year ten interns are selected from the qualified applicant pool. Participants complete coursework in biotechnology, stem cell biology, drug development and regulation, bioethics, and research conducted in biomedical laboratories at a large urban primarily undergraduate institution, known for a student body that closely reflects the community it serves. Program participants bring their broad and valuable perspectives to the scientific field. During the program, participants actively share their knowledge and experiences through community engagement at all levels from high-school, community college, university, and the local /statewide population. Participants also receive intensive hands-on training in advanced stem cell methodologies and complete ten months of full-time research in regenerative medicine at a host laboratory at a local research-intensive university, research institute, or biotechnology company. In addition, trainees participate in patient engagement activities designed to foster a deep understanding of and respect for the perspectives and lived experiences of individuals with unmet medical needs, as well as to reinforce the urgency of advancing stem cell therapies. Trainees are supported through an extensive mentoring program providing individual advising, and personal and professional development workshops to ensure successful academic progression and career placement for both current participants and alumni. This program ensures its participants are highly trained and are ready to enter the California workforce to address present and emerging scientific and technical challenges in regenerative medicine.
Statement of Benefit to California:
California benefits from this program through the development of a highly trained regenerative medicine workforce that reflects the demographics of the state and strengthens the state’s leadership in biomedical innovation. By preparing students to enter careers in regenerative medicine, stem cell research, therapy development, and biotechnology, the program helps meet current and future workforce demands across academia, research institutions, medical fields, and industry. The program also provides numerous opportunities for community engagement and outreach aimed at educating the public about progress in regenerative medicine and stem cell research. These efforts can have meaningful statewide impact, particularly in California, where public awareness and voter support play an important role in the funding and advancement of emerging biomedical technologies. The talent pipeline created by this program supports the growth of stem cell and life sciences companies, accelerates the translation of discoveries into therapies for patients with unmet medical needs, and contributes to the state’s economic vitality through job creation and expansion of the tax base. In addition, sustained recruitment and retention of skilled scientists reinforces California’s position as a global leader in regenerative medicine and the biomedical sector.