Funding boost for Victoria-California stem cell research alliance
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1 October 2009
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A funding boost of $2 million has been announced for Victorian stem cell researchers as part of a world-leading partnership with Californian scientists to prevent the body’s rejection of stem cell-derived cell and tissue grafts.
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The alliance with The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the world’s largest stem cell research funding agency was formed in 2008. The $2 million grant will add to the $28.7 million already announced in May to fund the Victoria-California Stem Cell Alliance over the next three years.
During his recent visit to California, Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said, “This new funding will focus on research into Stem Cell Transplantation Immunology which is aimed at ensuring human immune tolerance of stem cell derived cell and tissue grafts, such as skin, bone and organ tissue”.
CIRM President Alan Trounson said Victoria has some of the world’s leading immunology researchers. “It seems quite appropriate that we extend our collaborative funding partnership with Victoria in CIRM’s upcoming immunology and transplantation projects,” he said.
Mr Jennings said, “International partnerships with organisations such as CIRM are important for improving the quality of life of people with illness but they also have a great economic benefit. They attract world-class researchers to our State who in turn attract further investment which helps create local jobs.”
“Over the past year, this collaboration has already jointly awarded grants to four high-level stem cell research projects worth more than $28 million. Victorian groups were extremely successful in the 2008 funding round with four of the 15 CIRM projects funded being joint Victorian-Californian applications,” he said.
Applications for the Victoria-CIRM Stem Cell Transplantation Immunology research grants will open in November 2009.
For more information, contact Roland Diggens by email or phone on 03 9651 3102.
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