Stem cell grant would boost UCI training program

The state Jan. 30 tentatively approved $3.3 million over three years to enhance UC Irvine’s stem cell training program, which teaches tomorrow’s experts the techniques, ethics and clinical knowledge critical to this fast-growing field. The decision further solidifies UCI’s standing as a major hub for stem cell research. When the grant is funded, total CIRM awards to UCI will equal about $56.2 million. “We are excited to attract the best and brightest young people to UCI and Orange County,” said Peter Donovan, director of UCI’s training program and co-director of the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center. Dr. Ping Wang, medicine professor is the training program’s associate director.