URMC Scientists Awarded $6.8 Million in Stem Cell Research Grants

Ten scientists from the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) have been awarded more than $6.8 million by the Empire State Stem Cell Board. The grants are for a wide range of research programs in the fields of neurological disorders, cancer, musculoskeletal diseases, the blood system, and efforts to understand the fundamental mechanics of stem cell biology. 

“Stem cell science represents one of the critical new frontiers of medicine,” said Bradford C. Berk, M.D., Ph.D., CEO of URMC and a member of the Empire State Stem Cell Funding Board. “The state’s decision to invest in this field will enable New York’s scientists to be leaders in this important area of medicine and for New York to become a magnet for scientific talent, research funding, and biotechnology.”

The Empire State Stem Cell Board was created in 2008 and the state plans to award $600 million during an 11 year period. Last week, Governor Paterson unveiled $101.8 million in total stem cell research awards. His announcement coincided with President Barack Obama’s decision to rescind federal restrictions on the use of embryonic stem cells. 

The URMC awardees announced by the state include:

URMC is home to several leading stem cell research programs. There are approximately 40 scientists at URMC that work with stem cells in some form or another and their labs employ more than 230 people and are supported with more than $78 million in total ongoing multi-year research grants.