The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (“The Institute” or “CIRM”) is a state agency that was established through the passage of Proposition 71, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative. The statewide ballot measure, which provided $3 billion in funding for stem cell research at California universities and research institutions, was approved by California voters on November 2nd, 2004, and called for the establishment of a new state agency to make grants and provide loans for stem cell research, research facilities and other vital research opportunities.

16 California non-profit institutions have received $12.1 million to train the next generation of stem cell researchers.  Designed to take advantage of the different strengths of California research institutions, the CIRM Training Program will educate fellows from a variety of scientific backgrounds, including computation and molecular biology, nanotechnology, and clinical medicine.   All programs are required to offer at least one course in stem cell biology and disease as well as a course in the social, legal and ethical implications of stem cell research. Institutions were explicitly encouraged to promote interaction among trainees from different fields, especially those trained in basic science and clinical medicine. Because of the diversity of the California population, the CIRM also placed a premium on training a diverse pool of investigators.

The CIRM will use bond proceeds to fund basic and applied biomedical research focused on developing diagnostics and therapies and on other vital research opportunities that will lead to life-saving medical treatments.  All proposals are peer-reviewed to support the most promising scientific research.  Research grants are made only to California-based research institutions.

For more information, please visit the CIRM website.