Inaugural UC San Diego Gene Therapy Initiative Symposium is fueling progress in the field 

There was no shortage of enthusiasm at the inaugural UC San Diego Gene Therapy Initiative Symposium hosted at the Roth Auditorium at the prestigious Sanford Consortium, where researchers, clinicians, academia, industry, and patient advocates shared discoveries in gene therapy, a modern-day treatment that’s revolutionizing medicine.CIRM was a platinum sponsor of the event.The gene therapy field … Continue reading Inaugural UC San Diego Gene Therapy Initiative Symposium is fueling progress in the field 

Bringing a community together at the 2nd Annual ALSP Conference 

In addition to funding innovative programs and research that accelerate the development of stem cell and gene therapy treatments, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) provides funding to support valuable mission-specific scientific conferences where people can meet to exchange scientific information to meet goals relevant to CIRM’s mission.    Recently, CIRM supported the 2nd Annual … Continue reading Bringing a community together at the 2nd Annual ALSP Conference 

Equipping California nurses with skills to support cell and gene therapy patients 

Regenerative medicine is a rapidly evolving field. As more therapies reach commercialization and clinical trial stages, there remains an immediate need to equip direct patient care nurses with skills to support patients on complex clinical trials as well as novel standard-of-care therapies.  To address this need and continue efforts to build a regenerative medicine workforce … Continue reading Equipping California nurses with skills to support cell and gene therapy patients 

Empowering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Week at the SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference

When I joined the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) as the new Community Outreach Manager, I was drawn to the Agency’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Some DEI achievements include:  Requiring plans for inclusion of diverse or underserved demographic groups in CIRM-funded clinical trials  Providing valuable educational opportunities in regenerative medicine for … Continue reading Empowering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Week at the SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference

CIRM’s Annual SPARK Conference Showcases the Trailblazers of Tomorrow

More than 110 student scientists from around California showcased their enthusiasm, passion and “spark” for regenerative medicine and stem cell research at this year’s annual CIRM SPARK Conference.   Hosted by Cedars Sinai from Aug. 8-9 in Los Angeles, this year’s event showcased the extraordinary potential of high school students who are poised to become the … Continue reading CIRM’s Annual SPARK Conference Showcases the Trailblazers of Tomorrow

CIRM team shines at ASGCT annual meeting in sunny Los Angeles

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) team spent a week in sunny Los Angeles spreading awareness of its mission at the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) annual meeting.  The goal of the meeting is to provide a place for people in the cell and gene therapy field to learn from the … Continue reading CIRM team shines at ASGCT annual meeting in sunny Los Angeles

A timeless message about stem cells

Dr. Daniel Kota The world of stem cell research is advancing rapidly, with new findings and discoveries seemingly every week. And yet some things that we knew years ago are still every bit as relevant today as they were then. Take for example a TEDx talk by Dr. Daniel Kota, a stem cell researcher and … Continue reading A timeless message about stem cells

Life lessons learned in the CIRM summer intern program

SPARK poster session; Photo by Esteban Cortez When I was in high school I spent my summers working in a shoe shop and playing soccer with my mates. It never occurred to me that I could do something really  worthwhile with that time. So, when I meet the high school students who took part in … Continue reading Life lessons learned in the CIRM summer intern program

[PHOTOS] CIRM’s Bridges to Stem Cell Research Program hosts annual conference in sunny San Diego

For more than a decade, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has funded educational and research training programs to give students the opportunity to explore regenerative medicine and stem cell science right here in California.    This summer, the CIRM team was thrilled to meet the bright scientists taking part in this year’s Bridges to … Continue reading [PHOTOS] CIRM’s Bridges to Stem Cell Research Program hosts annual conference in sunny San Diego

Can regenerative medicine turn back the clock on aging?

One of my favorite phrases is “standing room only”. I got a chance to use it last week when we held a panel discussion on whether regenerative medicine could turn back the clock on aging. The event was at the annual conference of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) and more than 150 … Continue reading Can regenerative medicine turn back the clock on aging?