UC Irvine has been awarded nearly $13 million from the National Institutes of Health to build a research center in its new stem cell building. The 17,400-square-foot facility in Sue & Bill Gross Hall: A CIRM Institute will accelerate the translation of basic science discoveries into new treatments for human disease. “This funding, provided by the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act, also will create hundreds of jobs and provide a significant boon to the local economy,” said Peter Donovan, director of the Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center. The grant was awarded to Sue Bryant, vice chancellor for research, in her leadership role in overseeing the campus’ regenerative medicine programs. Bryant has long been a pioneer in this area of research. The stem cell building is scheduled to open this summer.