CIRM Grant Applications Now Open: DISC5 and CLIN2

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has opened applications for its DISC5 and CLIN2 funding programs, offering major opportunities for UCLA investigators in gene, cell, and regenerative medicine. 

Applications are due January 30, 2026 at 2pm PST

Consult with Experts at the UCLA Health Alpha Clinic on your Applications 

Drs. Noah Federman and Laurie Shaker-Irwin lead the CIRM-funded UCLA Alpha Clinic efforts in regenerative medicine, gene, and cell therapy clinical research at UCLA. The Alpha Clinic partners with the CTSI and the BSCRC to assist researchers as they navigate UCLA resources to succeed in the application process for CIRM funding. Resources include those on the discovery and translational side for developing a lead candidate to advance to further testing. On the clinical research side, resources include, amongst many, clinical protocol development, regulatory and FDA affairs, research coordination, and statistical analysis and data management.  

In order to best discuss the expertise and resource needs of investigators for their CIRM grant applications, please complete the CIRM Funding Opportunity Interest Survey and we will follow up with you and/or your designee directly to schedule a meeting.

Complete the Survey

CLIN2: Support for Regenerative Medicine Clinical Trials

CIRM’s CLIN2 program funds Phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials, including pivotal trials, for regenerative medicine therapies addressing significant unmet medical needs. The program provides not only financial support but also access to CIRM’s internal experts and external advisors to help teams advance toward marketing approval with strong plans for access and affordability. CLIN2 creates clinical research opportunities that are otherwise limited within traditional funding pathways.

Learn more about CLIN2

DISC5: Foundational and Exploratory Research Funding

The DISC5 program supports innovative, early-stage research led by interdisciplinary investigator teams aiming to overcome fundamental knowledge gaps or bottlenecks in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. Projects should aim to 

• advance basic understanding of human stem/progenitor cells
• use stem cells to uncover disease mechanisms or enable therapeutic/biomarker discovery
• address key scientific or technical challenges in stem cells gene therapy, or other regenerative approaches
• improve applicability of regenerative medicine to diverse populations. 

This grant is up to $2.5M per award (including indirects) for up to 3-years. Teams must include two California-based investigators from different labs.

Learn more about DISC5