Research Training Program in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine

The fields of stem cell research, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine are rapidly expanding and promise to have a significant impact on the healthcare and the economy of states and countries. We share with CIRM the mission of accelerating stem cell therapies to meet the medical needs of the people of California. Our Institution is committed to being proactive in fostering an inclusive and safe environment that embraces diversity and diverse perspectives. Biomedical research flourishes when students, faculty, and staff are empowered to think big and to work inclusively. We are certain that diversity drives discovery and innovation. Our program is inspired by these ideals and leverages the strengths of our institution in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, and its unique ability to develop and translate innovation into clinical trials, particularly into first-in-human studies. We are committed to training the next generation of leaders in the stem cell, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine fields, while enhancing their understanding of patients’ needs and of the complexities of implementing novel stem cell trials. Our training program will benefit the citizens of California in many ways: -By stimulating innovative multidisciplinary research that has the potential to treat diseases that are a psychological and economic burden to the health care system of California, such as diabetes, sickle cell disease and other blood disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions, and many other disorders. -By fostering a generation of innovators who are aware of the inequities that impact implementation of therapies for all and who will be active participants in meeting the needs of patients in underserved communities. Of particular importance, focus will be placed on developing and adopting technologies that can significantly reduce costs, so that novel cell and gene therapies can be available to all patients who need them, while reducing the economic burden on the California’s healthcare system. -By recruiting and training a diverse workforce representing Californians who are underrepresented in medicine, including individuals who are first to attend college or from socioeconomically disadvantaged or underrepresented communities. - By strengthening a workforce committed to accelerating the development and clinical testing of new stem cell and gene therapies and with the mission of educating the citizens of California about the benefits of stem cell research. In conclusion, our training program will train future leaders in how to develop innovative approaches for the treatment of incurable diseases, as well as the need for interventions that address health inequities in underrepresented and undeserved communities, ultimately having tremendous impact on the lives of individual patients and their diverse communities in California.