Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) invites applications for seed grant funding for its 2017 cycle. The purpose of this program is to provide funding for innovative projects in the field of stem cell and regenerative biology. As was the case last year, HSCI strongly encourages proposals with a translational focus, or which are otherwise poised to accelerate the development of new stem cell-based therapies or cures. However, proposals at all stages of development are welcome. HSCI intends to award up to ten grants in response to this request for proposals, contingent upon the number and quality of the proposals received, as well as the availability of HSCI funds.

As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to determine whether their proposal is either basic or translational science. In determining whether a proposal falls into either the basic or translational science category, please consider the aim(s) of your proposal. In general, proposals that fall into the category of translational science are those which aim at:

• Producing new therapies and/or therapeutic products (e.g. cellular products, large/small molecules, biomaterials, etc.), or
• Discovering the mechanisms, pathways, or models underlying such therapies/therapeutic products, or
• Manufacturing and testing stem cell-based therapies and therapeutic products using studies designed to fulfill all applicable institutional, state, and federal regulatory requirements

Any seed grants awarded during this cycle will be funded at up to $50,000 in total costs (including indirect costs, maximum 20% of total direct costs-basis) per year, for a period not to exceed two years.

Basic science proposals will not be reviewed separately from proposals categorized as translational science. All proposals will be reviewed by the HSCI Executive Committee.

HSCI reserves the right to not award any seed grants in the 2017 cycle.

Application Due Date: Monday, May 15, 2017

For complete details, including eligibility criteria, application requirements, and submission instructions, please see the complete RFP. 

For questions, please contact Robert Perez, HSCI Grants Officer, at robert_perez@harvard.edu.