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Sanford Stem Cell Institute Sanford Stem Cell Institute

Sanford Stem Cell Discovery Center

The mission of the Sanford Stem Cell Discovery Center (SSCDC) is to support the translation of foundational research into cures. It’s led by Director Dr. Sylvia Evans, and Deputy Director Dr. Robert Signer, and supports programs under three pillars: Research, Education, and Outreach.

Research

Scientists in the SSDC carry out fundamental and translational research in stem cell and aging biology. This breakthrough research is fueling the development of new therapies to treat degenerative conditions, cardiovascular disease, immune disorders, and cancer to push the limits of human healthspan.

The SSDC research program, led by Dr. Shiri Gur-Cohen, also supports a number of initiatives: 

  • Stem Cell Discovery Grants are a key source of funding for predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows pursuing novel stem cell research.
  • The UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute Seminar Series is a CME-accredited lecture series featuring the latest research from world experts in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. Learn more here.
  • The Sanford Stem Cell Institute Future Innovators (SCI-FI) Seminar Series is a trainee-led seminar series that features the work of students and fellows in the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine.

Education

The SSDC education program, led by Dr. Karl Willert, supports a number of initiatives:

UCSD CIRM Research Training Grant: The SSDC is home to the UC San Diego-based site of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Research Training Grant program. The program aims to create future leaders in the stem cell, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine fields. Its overarching purpose is to accelerate the development and delivery of these treatments to a diverse population of patients with unmet medical needs, in an equitable manner. The program also aims to foster collaboration and enhance the research experiences of scientists during different stages of their careers.

The grant program operates in two-year cohorts, each hosting approximately five Ph.D. students, five post-doctoral students, and two clinical fellows. Aside from funding research, the grant also assists with travel to stem cell science-related conferences, as well as expenses like books, computers, and equipment. Applications for the university’s third cohort will open in 2026. Those with questions about the grant can contact its UCSD site director, Dr. Alysson Muotri, at muotri@ucsd.edu.

CMM 250, Stem Cell Biology Core Course: The SSDC offers CMM 250, the Stem Cell Biology Core Course. Taught by Dr. Karl Willert, the class provides the latest information on stem cell biology and medicine. The history, politics, ethics, and philosophy of the field are also covered. Learn more about the course here.

Outreach

The Center’s outreach pillar is responsible for a number of educational events for those outside the UC San Diego community. They include:

  • The “A Closer Look” seminar series, a public-facing program held quarterly that highlights emerging research and clinical strategies that use stem cell techniques to tackle disease. It’s hosted by Dr. Robert Signer. Learn more here.
  • The UC San Diego SPARK (Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge) program, an eight-week educational regenerative medicine research internship for San Diego high school students of minority and/or under-represented status. The program is hosted by medical students from our School of Medicine, in addition to undergraduate students. Learn more about the program here, including how to apply.
  • Stem Cell Awareness Day, which has occurred on the second Wednesday in October since former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 2008 proclamation. Each year the Center hosts around 100 high school students for lab tours and interactive discussions.

Leadership

  • Director Dr. Sylvia M. Evans is a cardiovascular biologist whose research has focused on defining genetic and cellular pathways Sylvia_Evans_90dpi.jpgunderlying heart development, and applying that understanding to both congenital and adult heart disease. The Evans lab has studied cardiac stem/progenitor cells and mesenchymal stem cells in the context of their ability to repair the heart post injury. A current focus of the Evans lab is studying cardiomyocyte cell cycle regulation, both in ventricular and atrial cardiomyocytes, toward regenerating injured myocardium. Dr. Evans is director of the Sanford Stem Cell Discovery Center and a professor at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. In recognition of career achievements, Dr. Evans has been awarded the U.S. National Institutes of Health Director’s Pioneer Award, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Outstanding Investigator Award. She has published  multiple high-profile papers in top-tier scientific journals, including Nature, Nature Neuroscience, Nature Genetics, Cell, Developmental Cell, and Cell Stem Cell.
  • Deputy Director Dr. Robert A.J. Signer is a stem cell biologist whose trailblazing work on protein synthesis and homeostasis in hematopoietic stem cells opened the door to uncharted areas of cellular investigation. One of the foremost thought leRob_Signer_90dpi.jpgaders in stem cell science, Dr. Signer is deputy director of the Sanford Stem Cell Discovery Center and an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Regenerative Medicine. He has published multiple high-profile papers in top-tier scientific journals, including Nature, Cell, eLife, Cell Stem Cell, Nature Cell Biology, Blood, and Genes and Development. He was named a Distinguished International Young Investigator in Stem Cell Research and was the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Janet Rowley Award from the International Society of Experimental Hematology.