Welcome Message from CIRM

Welcome to the 2025 CIRM SPARK Conference in San Diego. We are excited to celebrate the inspiring achievements of this year’s SPARK students, an ambitious group of young scholars driving the future of regenerative medicine!

The Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge (SPARK) provides hands-on research experiences at leading research institutions for California high school students over the course of the summer. Students learn about and explore stem cell biology, contribute to cutting-edge, real-world research, and make valuable contributions to the regenerative medicine field under the guidance of experienced scientists and mentors.

CIRM’s mission is to accelerate world class science to deliver transformative regenerative medicine treatments in an equitable manner to a diverse California and world. The SPARK program reflects this mission by empowering students from all backgrounds to become future innovators in the lab, and introduces them to roles in science beyond research, including how their work impacts people and patients in their own communities. At this Conference, students will present their research and have additional experiences honing invaluable communication skills that are essential as a scientist.

This year’s SPARK Conference brings together students in a culminating celebration of their accomplishments and hard work in the lab over the summer. Students will have opportunities to present their research findings, learn from their peers, and receive valuable feedback from experts in the field. The conference also includes several exciting talks from leading scientists doing cutting-edge science in both academia and industry, as well as a panel with past and current CIRM trainees, scientific leaders, and patient advocates, to showcase the range of opportunities and careers available to young scientists.

On behalf of the CIRM team, I would like to thank Generation STEAM for organizing and hosting this year’s SPARK Conference, as well as all the mentors and faculty members whose invaluable guidance are helping to raise the next generation of young scientists.

To all SPARK students, you’ve taken on a challenge early in your scientific career, and you’ve done it with passion, curiosity, and enthusiasm. We applaud your hard work for diving headfirst into a new field. You are the future leaders of science and medicine, and we are confident that you will continue to excel in your achievements. Congratulations on your accomplishments this year and we can’t wait to see where your paths take you next!


With warm regards,
Daisy Xin, PhD
Science Officer, Discovery and Education
California Institute for Regenerative Medicine