Funding opportunities
This section lists the different grant schemes available for stem cell researchers’.
Grant funding for stem cell research – where to apply?
MRC wishes to promote high quality research in regenerative medicine and the stem cell field that
- improves our understanding of fundamental stem cell biology and regenerative processes, and
- applies the emerging technologies to improve human health.
Two response-mode funding mechanisms are available for applicants wishing to submit grant proposals in this area:
- For the fundamental science, funding through one of the four MRC Boards;
- For translational research, funding through either the Translational Stem Cell Research Committee (TSCRC) or the Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme /Developmental Clinical Studies scheme (DPFS/DCS).
More information on these mechanisms and the type of research projects that might be submitted is provided below.
Research Boards
The Boards will fund proposals addressing fundamental or investigative research, for example hypothesis-led research seeking to:
- understand developmental processes of relevance to regeneration
- understanding the mechanisms of self-renewal or reprogramming
- understanding the factors that drive differentiation of stem or progenitor cells down a particular route
- characterise stem cell populations and their niche
- the use of stem cells to probe mechanisms of disease.
The choice of which Board to submit to will depend upon the type of stem cell in question and/or the disease process being investigated. Basic stem cell research of a more generic nature should be directed to the Molecular and Cellular Medicine Board.
Translational stem cell research
Funding for translational stem cell research is available through the Translational Stem Cell Research Committee (TSCRC). The objective of the TSCRC is to deliver funding for work that has explicit translational goals, with a view to undertaking experimental medicine or phase I/II clinical studies, or necessary preclinical research to reach that point. The TSCRC will therefore fund projects that go beyond the understanding of basic stem cell biology or using stem cells to probe the mechanisms of disease, with the intention of supporting the application of such research to a stage where further funding can be found to continue development towards the latter stages of therapeutic or technological development. The TSCRC will consider applications whose goals will advance stem cell research towards clinical use or application, including:
- enabling technological development;
- preclinical stem cell research;
- experimental medicine;
- early phase clinical trials.
Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme/Developmental Clinical Studies
The Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme/Developmental Clinical Studies scheme (DPFS/DCS) supports the translation of fundamental discoveries toward benefits to human health. It funds the pre-clinical development and early clinical testing of novel therapeutics, devices and diagnostics. All modalities of intervention relevant to regenerative medicine and tissue engineering are eligible for support from the scheme, including small molecules, peptides, antibodies, gene therapy, scaffolds, devices and surgical techniques. However, stem cell-based projects are not eligible, as they are funded through the MRC’s Translational Stem Cell Research Committee.
Opportunities – Calls for proposals
UK Regenerative Medicine Platform
Call for applications
MRC, the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) are jointly establishing a £25M UK Regenerative Medicine Platform (UKRMP) to address the challenges associated with translating promising scientific discoveries in this area towards clinical impact. At its core the UKRMP will comprise of four to five interdisciplinary and complementary research hubs that will together provide a world-leading programme to promote the development of regenerative therapies. MRC, EPSRC and BBSRC are therefore calling for applications.
UK-China stem cell partnership development initiative
The MRC and the National Natural Science Foundation of China invites proposals to the UK-China Stem Cell partnership development initiative from high quality research teams based in the UK and China. The initiative will provide funding for travel and consumables to help the development of collaborative links between stem cell scientists in the UK and China. Further information on the initiative and details of how to submit an application is available on the MRC Calls for Proposals page.
Training awards: studentships and fellowships
The MRC funds a range of studentship and fellowship award schemes for both clinical and non-clinical researchers. For information on how to apply and assessment procedures visit the links below.