How to Apply 

The Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (SCBRM) program is one of fourteen Biosciences PhD programs at the School of Medicine. The SCBRM program is unique amongst them as the focus of inquiry is stem cells, the only cells in a tissue or organ that have the capacity to generate and regenerate tissue. Broadly, these cells include, but are not limited to, the embryonic stem cells that generate tissue and organ stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells which harbor the unique genetic background of their somatic cell donor, and the cancer stem cells at the core of malignant disease and metastasis. With that stem cell–centric focus, we operate at the intersection of basic science and clinical application. We strive to provide students with skills that encompass the continuum of basic, translational, and clinical sciences across a wide variety of potential applications.

Given the interdisciplinary nature of stem cell biology and the SCBRM PhD program, we welcome applications from students with a variety of scientific backgrounds. We strongly believe that diversity of previous experiences enriches our multidisciplinary environment. Qualified applicants will have completed a bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related fields. All applicants are considered equally regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual preference, age, or gender.

Applications to the Stanford Biosciences PhD Programs must be made through Graduate Admissions and will be due by Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 11:59 PST, for admission in 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

An application fee waiver is available here. 

You may choose two of the 14 Biosciences graduate programs in your application as first and second choices. Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine will preferentially consider those applicants who designate our program as their first choice. If you have already submitted your application and did not designate our program as your first choice but wish to do so now, you may alert us of your preference for our program by email to: spangrud@stanford.edu or tdesai@stanford.edu.

Additional Notes on the Application

We would like to clarify the intent of a question posed in the application:

[Bioscience Supplement] "Describe an Interesting Biological or Biomedical Problem"

Please use this space on the application to tell us about an interesting scientific problem which you could see yourself pursuing during graduate school. Put another way, tell us about your “dream biological or biomedical PhD project”! If you have too many, you are welcome to state that and pick one that you are most excited about.

Statement on Our Consideration of Demographic Information

The Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine’s Ph.D. program recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

The Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Interdisciplinary Graduate Program welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. The review process is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, prior research experience, and admissions essays to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field and how they might enrich the learning community at Stanford.

Questions or Concerns

Any questions or concerns about the application process should be addressed to: biosciences@stanford.edu