Message from the Co-Directors

At the Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, we believe in the extraordinary promise of stem cells to transform medicine and improve lives. Every breakthrough begins with years of fundamental science—learning how stem cells work at their most basic level and then using them to understand the mechanistic basis of human disease. From there, discoveries move into translational research, where we and our colleagues at UC Irvine specialize in turning lab findings into real-world therapies. The final step is testing these therapies in clinical trials, bringing hope directly to patients.

We also want to acknowledge the remarkable leadership of Dr. Aileen Anderson, who guided the Center with dedication and vision. Her efforts helped shape the success and reputation of the SCRC, and we are proud to share that she has recently been promoted to serve as Vice Chancellor for Research for all of UC Irvine. Thanks to her leadership and the shared commitment of our faculty, staff, and trainees, the Center is poised for even greater achievements in the years ahead.

As Co-Directors, we are proud to lead a community of scientists, clinicians, students, and staff who are pushing forward at every stage of this journey. Dr. Thompson’s work on Huntington’s disease has helped define how patient-derived stem cells can reveal disease mechanisms and guide new treatments. Dr. Cummings’ research in brain and spinal cord injury has advanced stem cell therapies toward clinical readiness. Together, our teams are committed to advancing discoveries that not only deepen our understanding of disease but also lay the groundwork for treatments that change lives.

We are especially excited about the future of our Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility, which allows us to produce clinical-grade stem cell products right here at UCI. Paired with our CIRM-funded Alpha Stem Cell Clinic, which conducts first-in-human and early-phase clinical trials, we are uniquely positioned to move promising therapies from the laboratory bench to the patient’s bedside.

The Stem Cell Research Center is also a place of education and outreach. We train the next generation of scientists at multiple stages in their careers, partner with the community through lectures and forums, and work to ensure that Californians and beyond benefit from the discoveries their support has made possible.

We are honored to continue building on the strong foundation laid by our predecessors, and we look forward with excitement to the breakthroughs yet to come. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

With gratitude and optimism,
Brian J. Cummings, PhD
Leslie M. Thompson, PhD
Co-Directors, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center
University of California, Irvine