Claremont, CA, Sept. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Keck Graduate Institute has received a five-year grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to create a CIRM Bridges training program for 10 KGI students a year who are preparing for regenerative medicine careers.
The program includes a nine-credit Certificate in Regenerative Medicine and six- or 12-month internships for incoming KGI master’s degree students who are interested in biomanufacturing, translational science, clinical operations, biotech management, and other related fields.
“We appreciate CIRM’s support of KGI’s mission to develop the ethical applied life sciences and healthcare leaders who will heal and uplift communities through careers in regenerative medicine,” said President Mohamed Abousalem. “This program will bring tremendous benefits to the state of California as we promote broader access to the field of regenerative medicine to develop therapies and care models that improve patient health outcomes.”
KGI will recruit incoming students as Bridges trainees for fall 2027 in several programs –– the Master of Business and Science (MBS), Master of Engineering in Biopharmaceutical Processing (MEng), Master of Science in Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering (MSBPE), Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences (MS), Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomic Data Analytics (MSGDA), Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS), The Chan Family Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies (MSPA), and Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC).
Students will be able to complete the certificate across the fall and spring semesters as a supplement to their master’s degree, followed by an internship in a research, manufacturing, translational, regulatory, clinical, or patient-centered setting. This will ensure the students not only build foundational knowledge in areas like stem cell science, bioprocessing, therapeutic development and regulation, and data science, but also gain practical experience through applied learning in laboratory methods, scientific communication, and community engagement.
“What excites me most about this program is that we are not simply teaching students about regenerative medicine, we are also creating a pathway for them to become part of its future,” said Loren Martin, vice provost of research, innovation, and partnerships, who developed the CIRM Bridges program for KGI. “By combining rigorous scientific training with mentorship, patient engagement, public communication, and real-world internships, we can prepare graduates who are ready to help translate scientific advances into meaningful improvements in human health.”
Students will also take part in shared activities, including a regenerative medicine seminar series, public science communication workshops and coaching, community outreach, and professional development and mentoring opportunities.
Gargi Ghosh, interim program director for the MEng program and professor of bioprocessing, will serve as co-director of this CIRM Bridges program.
“The future of regenerative medicine is full of possibilities,” said Ghosh. “We’re excited to prepare versatile professionals to enter the workforce with expertise spanning wet-lab science, data analysis, manufacturing, clinical operations, and public communication. This training will equip the students to shape therapy development and deployment for real-world impact.”
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About Keck Graduate Institute (KGI)
Keck Graduate Institute offers innovative master's and doctoral programs in critical high-growth areas to directly address industry needs in biotechnology and healthcare. A member of The Claremont Colleges, KGI is dedicated to educating and empowering the ethical innovative leaders in biotechnology, healthcare, and life sciences who will heal and uplift communities locally and beyond. KGI was the #3 ranked Best Master's Program in the nation for 2025 by Intelligent.com.
