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The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission Announces Research Grants with State of California Researchers
Posted November 10, 2010
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Pilot program will advance critical human stem cell therapies by supporting research across geographic boundaries
COLUMBIA, Md., - The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), which administers the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF), announced today a pilot program with the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the State's stem cell research funding agency. This pilot program provides an opportunity for Maryland scientists to conduct collaborative research with the recipients of CIRM Early Translational II (ET II) Grant Awards. The goal of the collaboration is to advance critical human stem cell therapies by fostering meritorious interdisciplinary research across geographic boundaries.
The pilot program is the result of a 2009 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between TEDCO and CIRM, which was drafted to provide an opportunity for stem cell researchers in Maryland and California to broaden their access to resources and expertise that could augment or expedite their research. Scientists applying for Maryland's 2011 Investigator-Initiated Research Grants (RFA-MD-11-1) and Exploratory Research Grants (RFA-MD-11-2) will be eligible for this supplemental pilot program. Applications for the program must be submitted electronically to TEDCO by January 13, 2011.
"This collaborative research program opens a wealth of opportunity for Maryland scientists," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "By working together, it is our hope that Maryland and California researchers can advance scientific breakthroughs that will lay the groundwork for a new era in modern medicine."
Under this program, Maryland-based Principal Investigators (PIs) can collaborate with PIs working in California whose projects have already been approved for funding in CIRM's Early Translational II RFA competition. Generally, CIRM ET II projects have the potential to progress stem cell discoveries toward clinical use. A list of approved eligible CIRM awardees and their projects can be found by visiting
http://www.mscrf.org/content/fundingopps/inde.... Maryland applicants must propose supplemental research that will complement the approved CIRM project, and in some way enhance or expand its scope.
"We are very optimistic about the pilot program, which leverages Maryland's investment in the field of regenerative medicine and accelerates the pace of discovery by bringing additional resources and different perspectives to address complex research problems," said Margaret Conn Himelfarb, MPH, chair of the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission. "Maryland and California both have top-tier stem cell research programs, and we look forward to the results generated by connecting our scientific talent."
"One of CIRM's primary goals is to accelerate the field of stem cell research as a whole. In some instances we can do this more effectively through collaborations that involve the best scientific endeavors, regardless of geography" said Dr. Alan Trounson, president of CIRM.
If a collaborative research proposal is favorably reviewed by the Scientific Peer Review Committee, and approved by the Commission and TEDCO Board of Directors, the MSCRF will fund all supplemental project-related work conducted within the State of Maryland. CIRM will continue to fund all approved project-related work conducted within its jurisdiction.
For additional information regarding this collaborative research opportunity, and to view the supplement to RFA-MD-11-1 and RFA-MD-11-2, please visit
http://www.mscrf.org/content/fundingopps/inde....
About the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO)
TEDCO, an independent entity, was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1998 to facilitate the creation of businesses and foster their growth in all regions of the State. TEDCO's role is to be Maryland's leading source of funding for seed capital and entrepreneurial business assistance for the development, transfer and commercialization of technology. TEDCO connects emerging technology companies with federal laboratories, research universities, business incubators and specialized technical assistance. For the fifth consecutive year, TEDCO was recognized as the most active seed/early-stage investor in the nation in the August 2008 issue of Entrepreneur magazine and received the national Excellence in Technology-Based Economic Development award from the State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI) for the Maryland Technology Transfer Fund (MTTF) program in October 2008. For more information on TEDCO and its programs and resources, visit www.MarylandTEDCO.org.
About the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission
The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission was formed as an oversight body to establish the policies, criteria, standards and requirements to administer the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF), all of which are commensurate with the practices of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO). The MSCRF was created by the Stem Cell Act of 2006 to promote state-funded stem cell research and cures. With a current budget of $10.4 million for FY 2011, the Commission will support grants to public and private entities in the State. For more information about the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund and a list of Commission members, please visit www.mscrf.org.
About the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM)
CIRM was established in 2005 with the passage of Proposition 71, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Act. The statewide ballot measure, which provided $3 billion in funding for stem cell research at California universities and research institutions, was overwhelmingly approved by voters, and called for the establishment of an entity to make grants and provide loans for stem cell research, research facilities, and other vital research opportunities. To date, the CIRM governing board has approved 364 research and facility grants totaling more than $1 billion, making CIRM the largest source of funding for human embryonic stem cell research in the world. For more information, please visit www.cirm.ca.gov.
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