The Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine was founded to bring four leading research institutions together under one roof to pursue funding to support collaborative research projects, to advance our understanding of stem cells. At the Sanford Consortium's proposed world-class facility, researchers will work side by side to advance stem cell research and translate discoveries into clinical cures. This facility is necessary to efficiently conduct multi-disciplinary stem cell science for and to maintain San Diego's leadership position in the life sciences industry.

Each of the four institutions has research strengths which, when combined, has the potential to create a synergistic research enterprise. This synergy would also allow for effective translation of research into clinical cures and therapies for debilitating diseases and disorders. In addition, it will provide training opportunities and resources for young scientists and improve the state and local economy as more grant and philanthropic dollars flow into the region. Businesses in the area will also expand as discoveries are translated into effective marketable therapies.

A number of researchers from the partner institutions are involved in this work, including Dr. Evan Snyder (The Burnham Institute), Dr. Fred "Rusty" Gage (The Salk Institute), Dr. Martin Friedlander (The Scripps Research Institute) and Dr. Larry Goldstein (University of California, San Diego). As with any research, inventors of new techniques or therapies do stand to gain financially from their inventions. However, the partner institutions all have well-defined and transparent technology transfer and conflict of interest procedures in place. The disclosure and management of all inventions will be in accord with patent law and the policies and procedures of the employing institution.

Past collaborative efforts have not allowed researchers to share a space and interact in this same fashion. This arrangement allows for the synergistic exchange of ideas, equipment and expertise in this area of study. Additionally, the formal collaboration will result in a greater ability to attract grants and charitable contributions that might not otherwise come to the region.

The Sanford Consortium will apply for a California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) facilities grant, and is currently working to obtain additional funds.

A single central location will provide a collaborative environment where the best and brightest from around the world will want to work. The new building will be the premier facility needed to attract this top talent.

The Consortium has already collaborated by working together to receive CIRM research and training grants. However, to be more effective, the Sanford Consortium needs a shared facility. Members have also begun working cohesively to raise the funds needed to build the facility.

Yes, details are available on the Capital Campaign section of the Web site.

No. Such research is specifically prohibited under Proposition 71.