Since California passed a ballot measure which will provide $3 Billion over the next 10 years to support stem cell research, why does UCSF need to raise private support for the IRM?

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) provides research funding for human embryonic stem cell research and training and provides matching funds for building laboratories.  Critical areas that the CIRM does not support cannot be funded by the federal government and must be funded through private philanthropy.  These vital needs include:

• Recruitment and retention of top researchers
• Providing seed funding for unconventional research ideas that can later apply for CIRM funding
• Building state-of-the-art research laboratories; CIRM requires a minimum 50% match of philanthropic contributions to qualify for CIRM facilities grants
• Upgrading existing research space required to advance human embryonic stem cell research.
• Acquiring core scientific equipment for human embryonic stem cell research
• Symposia and conferences for share findings that will lead to disease treatments

Each of these financial needs is critical to effectively and efficiently utilize the CIRMs resources and drive research from the laboratories to the clinic.

What is my donation used for?

A gift to the UCSF stem cell research program will be combined with other contributions to support to wide array of strategic research needs that cannot be financially supported by any other source, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).   The Institute Director will invest your donation in strategic areas that will have the most impact on research efforts and will effectively and efficiently translate laboratory research to patient therapies. 

Do small donations make a difference?

Absolutely!  Your gift to stem cell research will provide the Director with the financial support to make strategic investments in stem cell research that will most effectively and efficiently lead to treatments for some of the most devastating diseases, including - cancer, diabetes, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, brain tumors, cardiovascular disease, birth defects, and spinal cord injuries.

What happens if a President that is pro-human embryonic stem cell research enters office?

If the new President allows embryonic stem cell research, several things may happen.  (1) Scientists may not need to ‘fire wall’ their human embryonic research from their federally funded research projects.  (2) The NIH may begin to reduce limitations human embryonic stem cell research.  However, there are still challenges, including (1) NIH is cutting back research funding, so very little federal financial support is anticipated to be directed to human embryonic stem cell research. (2) States might ban stem cell research and therapies in their communities.