OCASCR: Research Grant

The Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research (OCASCR) Grant Program aims to advance research in adult stem cell biology and regenerative medicine in Oklahoma. Grants, typically around $130,000, are available to eligible principal investigators at Oklahoma institutions, promoting impactful studies in this vital field of medicine.

Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research (OCASCR) Grants Program
In 2010, the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) established OCASCR to promote research in the emerging field of adult stem cell biology in Oklahoma. Since then, adult stem cell research has flourished in our state, and Oklahoma universities, research foundations, and biotechnology companies are now fortunate to employee many world-recognized investigators who conduct research in this area. In 2019, OCASCR expanded its focus to include research in regenerative medicine—a field that is closely related to adult stem cell biology and that strives to restore the normal functions of cells, tissues, and organs that have been damaged by disease. OCASCR joins TSET in acknowledging that smoking- and obesity-related diseases are particularly deadly in Oklahoma and is therefore keen on promoting regenerative medicine research that is relevant to these diseases. The overall goal of OCASCR is to help adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research thrive in Oklahoma and to serve as a trusted resource for public information on these topics.
Research Grants should be focused on adult stem cells and/or regenerative medicine. For applications focused on adult human stem cells, OCASCR defines adult human stem cells as those obtained from umbilical cord blood or other adult samples. For applications focused on regenerative medicine, those projects related to diseases caused by smoking or obesity (i.e. cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, etc.) will be prioritized, since OCASCR funding comes from the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), which is dedicated to reducing these leading causes of death in Oklahoma. Studies involving experimental animals and model systems will be considered. Reprogramming of adult cells for use in tissue regeneration and stem cell-based reconstruction are of interest, as are studies devoted to a better understanding of tissue-specific stem cells, development, and regeneration. These are not inclusive examples, and exciting advances are possible in many areas of adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research.
Funding
There is no formal limit, but a maximum of $150,000 is recommended. The average research grant awarded over the last 3 years has been about $130,000.

Eligibility

Any Oklahoma Principal Investigator working with adult stem cells and/or regenerative medicine is eligible to apply. Applications from universities, research institutions, and private industry are welcome. To be eligible to receive an OCASCR grant, the principal investigator must meet the following criteria:Hold a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) or equivalent degree (i.e. D.O.).Be a professional or faculty member (Professor, Associate Professor or Assistant Professor) at an appropriate educational, medical or research institution. Be qualified to conduct and mentor a program of original research within their own independent laboratory.Assume both administrative and financial responsibility for the grant.
Have access to institutional resources necessary to conduct the proposed research project

Ineligibility

Research track investigators (i.e. Research Assistant Professor or Research Assistant Member) and trainees (i.e. predoctoral or postdoctoral fellows) are not eligible.