CIRM offers $59M to inspire young scientists

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has handed out $59 million in research grants to 23 young scientists. The New Faculty Grants are intended to encourage promising scientists early in their careers. That is seen as a particularly perilous time for scientists, who typically won't qualify for a major NIH grant until they're in their early 40s. The money is distributed over the course of five years to cover salary and research costs. And more money will be handed out after a vote at the CIRM in September.

"Who would dedicate their life to a field where they could not have a chance to prove the value of their ideas until they were 43?" said Robert Klein, chairman of the state stem cell institute. "Without California's funding, the gap in federal funding would eliminate an entire generation of new clinicians and scientists."

--read the report from the San Diego Union-Tribune

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