The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is seeking proposals for the creation of new, shared laboratories for stem cell research at nonprofit and academic research institutions in California. San Francisco-based CIRM intends to fund up to $48.5 million over three years for the shared facilities grants, with awards expected in June 2007.

The Shared Research Laboratory Grant Program will fund dedicated laboratory space for the culture of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), particularly those that fall outside federal guidelines. (Current federal policy prohibits research involving hESCs isolated after August 2001 from being conducted in laboratories constructed with any federal funding.) CIRM’s grants will support the development of core laboratories to be used by multiple investigators and shared by multiple institutions, and provide an environment for the unrestricted conduct of scientific research on hESCs.

The grants will provide funds for the design and renovation of laboratory space, equipment for the new research facilities, and operating expenses for three years. Some grants will include additional funds to train scientists and technical staff in the growth and maintenance of hESCs. For more information, visit www.cirm.ca.gov.

Posted on January 21, 2007 11:44 AM