Organizational Profile: California Institute for Regenerative Medicine: The road ahead

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has completed 4 years of full operation and has allocated over US$1.1 billion for buildings, laboratories, training, foundation research, basic research and, more recently, translational and preclinical research. CIRM was recently reviewed by an external committee and will make some adjustments to the program to address their primary recommendations. This will include a closer working relationship with industry and a more proactive approach to linking the best and fastest moving stem cell science from around the world with scientists and the biotech industry in California, USA. While basic stem cell science must be supported to remain innovative and strong, CIRM will encourage the translation of discoveries to clinical application and facilitate the rapid adoption of safe and effective therapies that are evolving from the program.