The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, aka CIRM, has awarded three grants totaling nearly $5.8 million to researchers at UC San Diego for development of innovative technologies designed to advance translational stem cell research.

According to a Jan. 27 press announcement, the grants are part of $32 million in Tools and Technology Awards II awarded by San Francisco-based CIRM to 19 projects at 10 California institutions.

“Translational” research refers to work targeted to convert basic research findings into actual treatments, diagnostics or therapies for people. These awards are to help accelerate the practical applications of discoveries made in the laboratory.

Some $1.8 million went to UCSDs Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine; just under $2 million went to the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Core Facility; and nearly $2 million went to the Department of Bioengineering at the Jacobs School of Engineering.

The grants boost total CIRM funding for UCSD projects to nearly $83 million since the first awards were given in 2006.

– Steve Sinovic