The University of Southern California (USC) is one of 12 California institutions moving on to the next round of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine’s (CIRM) Major Facilities Grants application process. The grants will provide up to $262 million to fund the establishment of facilities in support of stem cell research, making it the single largest grant program that CIRM will undertake.
"Being among one of the select few institutions to be considered for Part 2 of the application is a critical step in the growth of our new program here,” says Martin Pera, Ph.D., director of USC’s Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine. "The potential funding would enable us to make a timely start on the construction of the Broad Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research facility, which is essential to support stem cell investigation and the eventual translation of new discoveries to patient care."
USC is seeking funding to establish an institute that would allow USC to carry out stem cell research in three categories: basic and discovery stem cell research, preclinical research and preclinical development and clinical research. Funding is anticipated to range from $25 to $50 million.
Part 2 of the CIRM application process will evaluate the technical aspects of an applicant’s building program and how the scientific program aligns with CIRM’s objective. Recommendations and approval for funding is expected in April 2008.
“The new institute will allow our Center investigators to work with scientists and clinicians from USC and regional institutions, to develop interdisciplinary collaborative projects and make the most effective use of resources," continues Pera.
CIRM was established when voters passed Proposition 71 in 2004 to borrow and spend $3 billion over 10 years to support stem cell research. To date, USC and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, a USC affiliate, have received more than $23.6 million in stem cell grants from CIRM. USC is also a part of the Southern California Stem Cell Scientific Collaboration (SC3), which is an agreement between eight research institutions in Southern California to allow members to share training programs, scientific core facilities and expertise, and to team up on a wide range of research programs.