BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS

UCI gets $3.5 million for stem cell research

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has awarded UC Irvine $3.5 million for stem cell research, the university announced Friday.

The institute’s governing board opted to fund projects by six UCI professors — Vincent Procaccio, Kyoko Yokomori, Grant MacGregor, Charles Limoli, Thomas Lane and Brian Cummings — who have done research in muscular dystrophy, mitochondria and other subjects. The institute approved 72 projects nationwide, allotting around $45 million in grant funds.

UCI’s Bill and Sue Gross Stem Cell Research Center has watched its reputation grow in recent years. Earlier this month, a private Beverly Hills foundation gave the school $1 million for stem cell research.

Locals to receive awards for leadership

Leadership Tomorrow will honor two area residents on Thursday in Costa Mesa. The community leadership award will go to Jane Glenn-Haas, founder of the nonprofit mentoring group WomanSage. And Costa Mesa community volunteer Tom Sutro will receive the excellence in leadership award.

Irvine Police Chief Dave Maggard will give the keynote speech at the event, which is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Park Prive, 1570 Scenic Ave., Costa Mesa. Tickets are $40.

For information, call (949) 729-4411.