MRC Support for Stem Cell Research
The UK Medical Research Council (MRC) supports research by:
- employing scientists to work on important research topics in its own research establishments;
- funding investigator-led projects through a range of grant schemes; and
- by personal awards for research training and career development.
The MRC and stem cells
Stem cell research is one of the MRC's current strategic priorities. In 2002 the MRC led a joint bid with other UK research councils, requesting additional funds for stem cell research from the UK Government. £40m was provided across the Councils to take forward the UK Stem Cell Initiative.
A cross-Research-Council Coordinating Committee is putting in place a programme of multi-disciplinary research to build on recent major conceptual and technical advances.
The UK Stem Cell Initiative
Funding stem cell research
As well as accepting applications for stem cell research through its regular grant schemes, the Council will be issuing coordinated calls for proposals from time to time in strategically important areas.
Further calls will be advertised on the MRC website and in the scientific press.
Research training
The MRC’s support for stem cell research training includes:
- Collaborative career development fellowships in stem cell researchJoint Research Council/charity-funded scheme of awards for specialised stem cell research training, designed to boost research capacity in this crucial area.
- Annual studentships competition
Around 12 training awards are funded each year.
UK Stem Cell Bank
A key part of the UK Stem Cell Initiative is the establishment of the UK Stem Cell Bank. The Bank is a central facility that characterises and stores ethically sourced, quality controlled adult, fetal and embryonic stem cell lines, and makes them available for medical research and clinical applications.
Further information
For more information on the MRC and stem cells, see the MRC website.
