Grant Award Details

CIRM Training Program in Stem Cell Biology and Engineering
Grant Number: 
EDUC4-12821
Project Objective: 
  • This UCSB based program will support 6 predoctoral students and 3 postdoctoral scholars with a specific focus on interdisciplinary training. Trainees will complete two core courses and at least 1 of 4 electives. Trainees will form teams to implement outreach activities to the local community and 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.
Investigator: 
Award Value: 
$1,924,497
Status: 
Active

Progress Reports

Reporting Period: 
Year 1

Grant Application Details

Application Title: 
  • CIRM Training Program in Stem Cell Biology and Engineering
Public Abstract: 
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.