Applications open for 2025 MD Stem Cell Research Fund grant programs

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The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission (MSCRC) announced the release of a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund’s (MSCRF) second funding cycle of fiscal year 2025.

This funding opportunity spans seven diverse grant programs: manufacturing assistance, clinical, validation, commercialization, discovery, fellowship and launch.

The application deadline is Jan. 13, 2025.

MSCRF grants support both young and established scientists, companies and research organizations to accelerate and advance the commercialization of innovative stem cell technologies for positive impact on human lives.

Organizations and companies outside of Maryland are eligible to apply for MSCRF funding, provided that the research to be funded is conducted within the state. Beyond funding, MSCRF actively encourages collaborations between academia and industry, an essential driver of innovation.

Following Gov. Wes Moore’s leadership, MSCRF funding received a significant increase in FY23 and remains robust at $20.5 million for FY25. In the first funding cycle of FY25 alone, MSCRF awarded over $4.5 million to drive transformative research. In the previous fiscal year, MSCRF granted more than $19 million to support 60 research projects spanning companies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations across Maryland.

Since 2006, MSCRF has invested more than $200 million in 650 different research projects, advancing the field of regenerative medicine while bringing economic and societal benefits to the state.