Pathways to Regenerative Medicine Training Program
Grant Award Details
Grant Number:
EDUC8-20303
Investigator(s):
Award Value:
$5,776,082
Status:
Pre-Active
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
Pathways to Regenerative Medicine Training Program
Public Abstract:
In 2004 the people of California, recognizing the significance and potential of stem cell therapies for the treatment of many diseases including degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and macular degeneration, to cancer and even heart disease, passed proposition 71 to fund stem cell research and the development of stem cell therapies. The California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) was established to manage the funds, plan and execute programs that would facilitate the development of stem cell therapies. Recognizing the need for a large workforce in stem cell research for the development of stem cell therapies, the initial phase of the program was focused on research and training of individuals in stem cell fields. These efforts have resulted in a substantial increase in the number of scientists and technically trained individuals in the field of stem cell biology and, more importantly, an increase in the number of laboratories and biotechnology industries focused on stem cell research and regenerative medicine in California. In 2020, the people of California passed Proposition 14 to continue to develop treatments, advance clinical trials and achieve new scientific breakthroughs for California’s patients with unmet medical needs. Our Pathways to Careers in Regenerative Medicine Training Program will produce 70 well-trained and “ready-to-start” laboratory professionals committed to accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of stem cell, gene therapy and related technologies for improving human health. The program leverages long standing training collaborations with premier host research institutions advancing cellular based therapies from bench to bedside regenerative and a newly established CIRM Shared Resources Laboratory (SRL) to extend our 17-year history of rigorous scientific postbaccaluareate training in basic stem cell research, translational science, and good manufacturing and laboratory practices (GMP & GLP) to include lower division undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds. Together, the two pathways support up to 20 trainees annually, training a maximum of 70 students over the program's duration. The trainees will participate in community outreach and patient engagement activities designed to educate and broaden access to regenerative medicine to rural, medically underserved regions of Northern California. Throughout the duration of the 12 month internship, they will receive personalized career counseling so they are poised to enter the workforce upon completion of the program.
Statement of Benefit to California:
The substantial investment of funds by the people of California in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine through Proposition 14 will continue to develop treatments, advance clinical trials and achieve new scientific breakthroughs for California’s patients with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, HIV/AIDS, ALS, MS, sickle cell disease, lung diseases, kidney disease, bubble baby disease (ADA-SCID), age-related blindness such as macular degeneration and genetic blindness, epilepsy, stroke, schizophrenia, autism, other mental health and brain conditions, and even infectious diseases like COVID-19. As the first chairperson of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Robert Klein stated, “This medical revolution holds the promise of restoring health and quality of life for many of California’s individuals and families suffering from chronic disease and injury. However, the last tactical mile to bring this broad spectrum of therapies to patients will require more funding and the thoughtful support of California’s public as the human trials and discoveries are refined and tested, overcome numerous obstacles or complications, and ultimately serve to improve the life and reduce the suffering of every one of us." Our Pathways to Careers in Regenerative Medicine Training Program will develop a workforce technically trained in stem cell and regenerative medicine able to meet these challenges. It will build upon our tremendously successful program history that has attracted 150 talented young people to a field that is responsible for over 100 FDA-Approved clinical trials and thousands of discoveries. We have designed our Pathways to Regenerative Medicine Training Program to provide students from diverse backgrounds with training in stem cell and regenerative medicine and a good understanding of the needs of patients with potential for stem cell therapies. They will also be educated with regard to the regulatory process and ethical issues. The development of such a workforce is critical for the future success of the field of stem cell and regenerative medicine, and Pathways to Regenerative Medicine Training will have tremendous impact on the present and future economy of the state of California.