OTTAWA, June 13, 2019 — The Stem Cell Network is pleased to launch a new national research funding competition comprised of four translational research programs in stem cell and regenerative medicine. The first round opened today to support innovative research that will ultimately realize both health and economic benefits for Canadians. Over the next three years, SCN anticipates that $11 million will be made available through two peer-reviewed funding competitions.
“There is immense promise in stem cell research to deliver the better health. The funding programs we are launching today will bring us closer to this reality, by fostering collaborations and multi-disciplinary science to accelerate translational stem cell research and new technologies into the clinic and marketplace,” said Dr. Michael Rudnicki, Stem Cell Network Scientific Director and & CEO.
SCN’s 2019 funding competition has been made possible thanks to the continued support by the Government of Canada through the 2019 federal budget, which provided $18 million over three years for SCN, in recognition of the significant potential of stem cell research and the emergence of regenerative medicine as an innovative and leading life sciences sector.
The four research funding programs announced today are:
Accelerating Clinical Translation Program: Supports multi-disciplinary research projects that are moving toward the clinic. This program will also support translational research activities (including ELSI questions) associated with an upcoming or ongoing clinical trial. Project awards will be up to $600,000.
Fueling Biotechnology Partnerships Program: Supports academic partnerships with emerging Canadian regenerative medicine biotech companies who are working to drive an innovative stem cell-based technology or therapy into the clinic or market. Project awards will be up to $500,000.
Advancing Clinical Trials Program: Supports early stage clinical trial projects with high translational potential. This program focuses on novel cellular or stem cell-related therapeutic approaches to tissue repair and regeneration for specific diseases. The clinical trials within this program will be led by academics working in leading Canadian research institutions and will bring forward innovative therapies or technologies of potential value to the Canadian health care system. Project awards will be up to $1,000,000.
Translation and Society Program: Supports ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) projects that that focus on impediments to progress in the translation of innovative stem cell research. Project awards will be up to $75,000.
“We are elated to once again offer a research funding competition to innovative researchers, clinicians, and policy-experts across the country who can truly move the science from bench to bedside,” said Cate Murray, SCN Executive Director & COO. “We thank the Government of Canada for their continued confidence and support in the Network.”
The Call for Proposals for all funding programs will be open until August 8, 2019. All proposals will be subject to independent peer-review and results of the competitions are expected be announced by the end of 2019, after approval by SCN’s Board of Directors. Funding is dependent on the completion of SCN’s 2019-22 contribution agreement with the Government of Canada.
For program information, click here.
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About the Stem Cell Network: Building Canada’s stem cell and regenerative medicine research sector has been the raison d’être of the Stem Cell Network (SCN) since its inception in 2001. In just over 18 years, SCN has forged a national community that has transformed stem cell research and pushed basic research towards translational outcomes for the clinic and marketplace. SCN has catalyzed 19 clinical trials, 21 regenerative medicine start-up companies and leveraged $100 million in partner contributions. SCN has invested over $100 million into research, which has benefited 170 world-class research groups and more than 3,000 trainees from across Canada. stemcellnetwork.ca
Media Contact:
Lisa Willemse, Director, Communications & Public Affairs
lwillemse@stemcellnetwork.ca