The University of California, San Diego, with nearly $640 million in annual research funding, is playing a leading role in stem cell research to help develop cures and therapies for a wide range of diseases and disorders utilizing embryonic stem cell research. UCSD is playing a significant role in the basic research that is needed before we are able to use these cells to develop new therapies. Translation of fundamental discovery into new therapies is important to the health of all people; locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. In the years to come many people and their families will have increased hope for their loved ones affected by a wide range of disorders as a result of the work of basic and physician scientists at UCSD and its partnering institutions on the Torrey Pines Mesa in San Diego. UCSD is committed to collaborating with other research institutions to maximize resources, facilitate research, and enhance all our efforts towards disease discovery.