UC Merced competing for stem cell research

SF, LA among those also hoping to attract funding, headquarters

By ROSALIO AHUMADA
MERCED SUN-STAR

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As cities and universities across the state jockey to become the epicenter of California's stem cell research, the University of California at Merced is ready to make its own claim.

San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and other cities have vowed to offer incentives to lure the headquarters of the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine. The institute also will dole out funding for stem cell research, making it an appealing addition for many regions.

The California Institute of Regenerative Medicine facility will likely be a 15,000-square-foot office with up to 50 employees.

UC Merced plans to apply for research money from Proposition 71, which passed in November and allows the state to borrow $3 billion for stem cell studies, said Keith Alley, vice chancellor for research.

Its faculty already is working on stem cell research, which is thought to offer progress in battles against diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's.

Campus set for research

Though the campus is not complete, it is prepared to expand its stem cell research, Alley said.

UC Merced graduate students will be the driving force in studies conducted at university laboratories at the former Castle Air Force Base, where labs there already have the capability for stem cell research, Alley noted.

Those who want to be home to the institute say the prestige outweighs the relatively small fiscal impact it likely would have.

"It's symbolic," said Jesse Blout, San Francisco's director of economic development, "but symbolism is important."

San Francisco will submit a proposal to a committee that oversees the state-funded institute by the Feb. 24 deadline, Blout said. A representative from Sacramento said that city has fashioned a deal that includes free rent, and San Diego officials said they are preparing an incentive-laden application.

The committee is expected to make a decision in April on where to place the facility.

Alley said the state could start handing out research money by May. In the long run, he said, that will be more important than having the headquarters.

Universities conducting stem cell work are likely to attract top researchers and encourage talented undergraduates to enter the field, UC officials say.

"It's an opportunity for us to attract the most notable scientists in the country," Alley said.