All month, we’ve used our blog and social channels to highlight a new chapter in CIRM’s life after Proposition 14. We’re looking back at our work since 2004 and ahead to what’s next. Today, we spotlight CIRM’s Portfolio & Review team.
Most drivers never think about what happens under the hood. If the engine runs, they’re satisfied. CIRM’s Review team works the same way. Few people see the many moving parts behind each stem cell therapy review.
That’s a shame, because the team is an impressive engine.
Since CIRM began, about 4,000 companies, groups, and individuals have applied for funding. Four thousand applications. Yet the Review team has never had more than five people, and often fewer. That’s a huge workload for a small team. How do they manage it? They’re brilliant.
First, they screen each application for eligibility. They check for stem cell involvement, completeness, research stage, and alignment with the budget. If an application passes this first review, it moves to the Grants Working Group, or GWG.
The GWG includes independent scientific experts from around the world, though none from California to avoid conflicts. These reviewers are leaders in their fields and serve on major panels, including NIH review groups.
Mark Noble, PhD, a longtime GWG member, says the group is unique. He values the broad expertise in the room and the scientific education each meeting provides.
The GWG evaluates scientific merit. They assess whether the proposal is plausible and whether the team has the skill to deliver. Reviewers study prior research and compare proposals with other work in the field. They often disagree but always respect each other.
After the GWG votes, applications go to the CIRM Board for final decisions. The Board receives detailed summaries and recommendations from both the GWG and the Review team. Reviewers keep applicant identities confidential to prevent conflicts.
The Board usually follows the GWG’s advice but can fund lower‑ranked projects. They sometimes do this when a proposal targets an unmet medical need.
That’s how Review works. Led by Dr. Gil Sambrano, the team delivers exceptional results with little fanfare. Without them, CIRM would be far less effective.
The passage of Proposition 14 means we can resume full research funding, which means our Review team will be busier than ever. They have already started changing the application requirements. To help let researchers know what those changes are, we are holding a Zoom webinar tomorrow, Thursday, at noon PST. If you would like to watch, you can find it on our YouTube channel. And if you have questions you would like to ask send them to info@cirm.ca.gov