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Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to share important leadership updates for the Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center (SCRC).

First, we extend our warmest congratulations to Aileen Anderson, PhD, on her appointment as UC Irvine's Vice Chancellor for Research. Professor Anderson has been an integral part of our UC Irvine family since 2001 and served as the director of SCRC since 2017 with distinction. Her extensive experience and proven track record in building research infrastructure and fostering an inclusive research environment have been instrumental to SCRC and will serve her well in her new role.

As we celebrate Professor Anderson's new position, we are pleased to announce that Brian Cummings, PhD, and Leslie Thompson, PhD, began serving as Interim Co-Directors of SCRC on July 1, 2025.

Professor Cummings from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation brings a wealth of experience in neuroscience research. His work focuses on the mechanisms of recovery mediated by human stem cell transplantation after neurotrauma, making him an excellent fit for this interim role.

Professor Thompson, a Donald Bren Professor in the School of Medicine and School of Biological Sciences, is a distinguished researcher in the field of neurodegenerative disorders. Her expertise in translational research and her focus on identifying and validating molecular pathways for potential therapies will be invaluable in guiding SCRC's research initiatives.

We are confident that under the leadership of Professors Cummings and Thompson, SCRC will continue to thrive and make significant contributions to stem cell research.

We invite you to join us in congratulating Professor Anderson on her new role and welcoming Professors Cummings and Thompson as interim co-directors of SCRC. These changes represent an exciting new chapter for both the Office of Research and SCRC, and we look forward to the continued excellence and innovation that define UC Irvine's research enterprise.

 

New SCRC Co-Directors: Brian Cummings, PhD (left), Leslie Thompson, PhD (right)