New Funding Available: Apply for an RDMM Catalyst Grant

April 10, 2025 (Ottawa) – The Stem Cell Network (SCN) and the Rare Diseases: Models & Mechanisms (RDMM) Network are thrilled to renew their collaboration in support of the RDMM Catalyst Grant program! This initiative supports cutting-edge research by linking researchers with expertise in genes, pathways, or cellular systems with clinician-scientists working on new or understudied human rare disease genes.

To qualify, potential applicants must first register with the RDMM national registry. RDMM’s Scientific Advisory Committee will then use the database to identify and connect researchers and with clinician-scientists who have discovered a new rare disease gene. Eligible database registrants will be invited to apply for a $30,000 RDMM Catalyst Grant. Additionally, researchers using stem cells or organoids to model a rare disease gene variant may qualify for an SCN award supplement of $20,000. 

For details, visit RDMM’s website or contact researchSCN@stemcellnetwork.ca or Philip Hieter (hieter@msl.ubc.ca).

As we open this new funding cycle, SCN is also excited to celebrate and recognize the groundbreaking research of past RDMM Catalyst Grant awardees!

Dr. Roman Krawetz, University of Calgary
Project Title: Using human pluripotent stem cells as a model to investigate the role of FOS and patient-specific mutations of this gene in osteoclastogenesis
Award Term: March 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025

“Emilie, Emma, and Erin, three talented Ph.D. trainees, are pioneering innovative research by using human pluripotent stem cells to model rare human diseases. Their work, which holds tremendous potential for uncovering novel treatments and therapies, would not be possible without the critical funding and support provided by the Stem Cell Network and Rare Diseases Models and Mechanisms Network.”
– Dr. Roman Krawetz

Dr. Yun Li, The Hospital for Sick Children
Project Title: Investigating the neural pathophysiology and treatment strategy for PIK3CA-related overgrowth syndrome (PROS)
Award Term: December 1, 2024 – November 30, 2025

Dr. Ian Weaver, Dalhousie University
Project Title: Characterization of ATRX binding and genome-wide localization in Setbp1 genetic variants relevant to SETBP1-HD
Award Term: January 13, 2025 – January 12, 2026

About Stem Cell Network
The Stem Cell Network (SCN) is a Canadian not-for-profit that supports stem cell and regenerative medicine research; training the next generation of highly qualified personnel; and knowledge mobilization and transfer of stem cell and regenerative medicine research. From the lab to the clinic, SCN’s goal is to power life-saving therapies and technologies through regenerative medicine research for the benefit of all. Created in 2001, with support from the Government of Canada, the Network has grown from a few dozen labs to more than 270 world-class research groups, supporting over 250 research projects and 30 clinical trials. Since its inception, over 25 biotech companies have been catalyzed or enhanced and more than 7,000 highly qualified personnel have been trained. In 2023, the Government of Canada announced additional funding for SCN through the Strategic Science Fund that will support SCN activities and research through to the end of the decade.

About the Rare Diseases Models and Mechanisms Network
The Rare Diseases: Models and Mechanisms Network (RDMMN), established in 2014, was created to link clinician scientists working on new or understudied rare genetic diseases with basic scientists who are able to carry out functional analysis on orthologous genes in a model system.  The goal is to make these connections rapidly, for example, at the time of the disease gene discovery.  By enabling such connections and providing $30,000 in seed funding, RDMMN has created a rapid and direct pathway from gene discovery to collaborative, functional characterization studies. To date, RDMMN has supported 128 clinician-basic scientist connections and funded more than 160 functional characterization projects.