Leadership Message: Investing in the future of cell and gene therapy

Dear Colleagues,

Tomorrow, Oct. 14, is Stem Cell Awareness Day, a chance to celebrate the remarkable progress being made in regenerative medicine and to look toward the future of healthcare. Few areas of biomedical research hold as much promise as cell and gene therapy.

These innovative approaches are transforming how we think about treating disease, moving beyond managing symptoms to addressing underlying causes at the cellular and genetic level. From inherited disorders and cancer to neurodegenerative diseases, therapies once considered science fiction are increasingly becoming clinical realities.

At UC Davis, researchers and clinicians are helping lead this transformation. Through the work of our Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Institute for Regenerative Cures, Stem Cell Program and numerous interdisciplinary research initiatives across the School of Medicine, we are advancing discoveries that have the potential to improve and save lives. Just as importantly, we are building the infrastructure and expertise needed to move promising therapies from the laboratory to patients.

A key partner in this effort is the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). Since its founding, CIRM has invested in research, clinical translation and workforce development to accelerate regenerative medicine across California. Its support has helped position UC Davis as a leader in stem cell, regenerative medicine and gene therapy research. I am honored to represent UC Davis on CIRM’s board of directors, helping to set policy and establish funding priorities,

The future of this field depends not only on scientific breakthroughs, but also on the people who will deliver them. Through CIRM-supported training programs, UC Davis is helping prepare the next generation of scientists, clinicians and biomedical professionals. These programs include opportunities for high school, undergraduate, graduate and clinical trainees, and some are offered in collaboration with partner institutions including CSU Sacramento, Cal Poly Humboldt and Solano Community College.

One example is EDUC4, CIRM's Cell and Gene Therapy Training Program for predoctoral, postdoctoral and clinical fellows. Led by Jan A. Nolta, director of the UC Davis Stem Cell Program, the program provides hands-on experience in cell and gene therapy research, manufacturing, clinical development and regulatory science, helping to ensure that the workforce keeps pace with rapidly evolving technologies.

These training programs create career pathways while strengthening California's leadership in regenerative medicine and biotechnology.

As we look ahead, I am inspired by both the scientific progress being made and the talented trainees who are choosing to build careers in this field. Together, they represent the future of medicine and our shared commitment to translating discovery into better health for all.

Thank you for your continued dedication to advancing research and innovation at UC Davis Health.

Kim E. Barrett, Ph.D.
Vice Dean for Research
UC Davis School of Medicine