Stanford University launches First PhD program in stem cell science

29^th April, 2011 has marked a beginning of a new era in stem cell science asStanford University's Faculty Senate approved the creation of the first stem cell science PhD program in the nation and, perhaps, the world.

School officials stated that the university is taking the rare step of creating a new doctoral program and acknowledges the growing importance of stem cell research in biomedical science. The senate's initial approval of the program extends for five years. "Stem cell biology is a distinct discipline that requires unique skills and includes a scope of knowledge and a skill set that is not covered by other disciplines," said Renee Reijo Pera, PhD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of the new PhD program. CIRM president Alan Trounson, PhD, said the doctoral program "is unique in its interdisciplinary nature and focus on applying discoveries to treat disease. This program, along with CIRM's training and research support at Stanford, will prepare the next generation of scientists to become leaders in the search for new cures." 

The creation of a doctoral program will also provide a boost to graduate students and accelerate the development of the field itself. "We are establishing an entirely new field that affects both life sciences and medicine," said Irving Weissman, MD, director of the Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine and professor of pathology. "We are doing this in a time of federal cutbacks of support for graduate students, including those doing life sciences in general and those doing medical science training.

Stanford has received $186 million during the past five years — more than any other institution in the state — from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to advance stem cell research. The funds have enabled Stanford to build facilities such as the Lorry I. Lokey Stem Cell Research Building (believed to be the largest building in the nation dedicated to stem cell research), to develop educational outreach and tissue banking capabilities, and to recruit a number of renowned researchers and trainees from whom the new PhD students can learn both the science and ethics of human stem cell research.