The CIRM Board approved a new training program called COMPASS (Creating Opportunities through Mentorship and Partnership Across Stem Cell Science). The program fills a critical need for skilled practitioners who can contribute at every stage of translating science to medicine.
Next-generation scientists
COMPASS aims to prepare a diverse group of undergraduates for careers in regenerative medicine. The program builds recruitment and support systems that identify and foster talent in historically underrepresented communities. It combines hands‑on research with mentorship to help students start successful careers. It also promotes awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion among trainees, mentors, and partners.
CIRM focuses on funding research, but our education programs remain essential. The Board approved $58.22 million over five years to support up to 20 applications. This investment strengthens our effort to train the next generation of stem cell and gene therapy scientists.
CIRM also funds several programs, including the SPARK and Bridges internships, but these programs cannot meet every need.
“This new program highlights our growing commitment to creating a diverse workforce, one that taps into communities historically under‑represented in the biomedical sciences,” says Dr. Maria T. Millan, President and CEO of CIRM. “The COVID‑19 pandemic showed that scientific progress does not always reach the communities that most need it. CIRM is committed to building a diverse and dedicated workforce that can turn new treatment ideas into reality.”
Expanding a California clinical network
The Board approved a new $80 million concept plan to expand the CIRM Alpha Stem Cell Clinic Network. These clinics operate at leading California medical centers with the expertise to deliver high‑quality, FDA‑authorized stem cell trials.
The Network now includes five Alpha Clinics: UC San Diego, UCLA/UC Irvine, City of Hope, UCSF, and UC Davis. Since 2015, these clinics have hosted more than 105 clinical trials, enrolled over 750 patients, and generated more than $95 million in industry contracts.
Each award will provide up to $8 million over five years. Clinics must:
• Demonstrate the ability to offer stem cell and gene therapies to patients in clinical trials.
• Support career development programs for medical and research staff involved in regenerative medicine trials.
• Commit to data sharing and meet CIRM requirements for diversity, equity, and inclusion to serve California’s diverse patients.