CIRM Training Program in Stem Cell Biology and Engineering
Grant Award Details
Grant Type:
Grant Number:
EDUC4-12821
Investigator(s):
Award Value:
$2,298,239
Status:
Active
Progress Reports
Reporting Period:
Year 1
Reporting Period:
Year 2
Reporting Period:
Year 3
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
CIRM Training Program in Stem Cell Biology and Engineering
Public Abstract:
The CIRM Training Program in Stem Cell Biology and Engineering will provide an integrated program of laboratory training, instruction and outreach to prepare students and postdoctoral scholars for research careers in stem cell, gene therapy and regenerative medicine fields. The program will support 5 predoctoral and 5 postdoctoral trainees per year, with a specific focus on interdisciplinary training that emphasizes basic discovery research in stem cell molecular biology as well as bioengineering related to stem cells, gene therapy and regenerative medicine. Trainees will be required to complete two exiting, high- level graduate classes: 1) Stem Cell Biology in Health and Disease; 2) Stem Cell Ethics. In addition, they will complete one of the following four graduate courses: 1) Therapeutic Development; 2) Drug Design; 3) Research Data Management; or 4) Research and Scholarship Ethics. Trainees will form teams to implement outreach activities to the local community, via interactive programs to involve K-12 schools, community groups, and local non-profit organizations. We will partner with local hospitals and patient advocacy groups to engage with patients. The Program will recruit and promote interactions among trainees from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. 19 potential mentors from a range of disciplines have committed to participate in the program, which will prepare these scholars to be future leaders who will go on to develop therapies for unmet medical needs.
Statement of Benefit to California:
Chronic incurable disease inflicts a tremendous burden on the citizens of the state of California, leading to a loss of lives and costing billions of dollars in health care expenses. We lack effective treatments for heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, cancer and blinding diseases such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. New treatments are needed, and cell and gene therapies provide immense potential that goes beyond traditional small molecule drugs and biologics. The proposed training program will educate postdoctoral scholars and graduate student scholars in the fields of stem cell biology, gene therapy and regenerative medicine. Our program will emphasize interdisciplinary training, at the interface of biology and engineering, and include cutting edge coursework, laboratory training, and outreach and patient engagement activities. The Program will recruit and promote interactions among trainees from diverse backgrounds and disciplines and prepare these young scientists to be tomorrow's leaders in developing treatments for unmet medical needs.
