02-06-10
The Australian Stem Cell Centre (ASCC) welcomes the announcement made on 31 May 2010 from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to establish a stem cell research fund.
The ARC has announced a call for applications for the $21 million Special Research Initiative in Stem Cell Science and the NHRMC has foreshadowed a future call for applications under the new Centres for Research Excellence in Regenerative Medicine.
The ASCC has been successful since its inception in 2002 in developing and supporting stem cell research, a recognised Australian scientific strength. Through its innovative funding mechanisms the ASCC supports a critical mass of Australian stem cell science which is underpinned by specialist research translation knowledge, infrastructure, skills and public education programs.
The ASCC is funded to a total of $100 million under the Biotechnology Centre of Excellence (BCE) program which was established in 2002 as part of the Backing Australia’s Ability innovation statement. The ASCC’s funding is due to reach completion in June 2011.
The ASCC believes that stem cell research should ultimately be supported within the mainstream research funding mechanisms. The funding schemes from the ARC and NHMRC announced on 31 May 2010 provide an important means of moving from the current dedicated funding source channelled through the ASCC to this long term mainstream support mechanism.
The Centre will endeavour to work closely with the recipients of the new funding to ensure a smooth transition and minimise disruption to research.
Download the full media release below.
Downloads
Statement on Announcement of Follow On Funding for Australian Stem Cell Research (176059)
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