Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge (SPARK) Conference
July 31 – August 1, 2026 | Berkeley, CA | UC Berkeley
This summer, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland is hosting the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge (SPARK) Conference.
The annual SPARK Conference hosts more than 110 high school student scientists from across California to showcase and celebrate findings from their 5-10+ weeks research experiences in regenerative medicine at 11 institutions across California.
In addition to celebrating these students’ work, the conference also brings together leading institutions in regenerative medicine, offering a platform to share innovations, inspire the next generation of leaders in the space and help shape the future of the field.
A Message From CIRM
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) looks forward to celebrating your research accomplishments at the 2026 Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge (SPARK) Conference!
CIRM was established by California voters over 20 years ago to accelerate stem cell and gene therapies for people with unmet medical needs. This summer, you contributed directly to that long-standing mission by conducting research in labs at the forefront of regenerative medicine, working toward discoveries that could one day change the lives of patients in California and around the world.
This conference is both a celebration of your hard work and a culminating experience in its own right. You’ll have the chance to present your summer research project, connect with fellow SPARK students from across the state, and hear from leading scientists about the latest advances in regenerative medicine. You’ll also explore the importance of advocacy for science and patients.
We hope you come away from the conference with greater confidence in your scientific presentation skills, a deeper understanding of the field of regenerative medicine, and new colleagues to join you on your journey of discovery.
This summer is one you’ll continue to build on. As you carry what you’ve learned into your education, your community, and whatever comes next, know that CIRM will be cheering you on.
