Stem Cell Network announces $1 million in funding to further support graduate students and post-doctoral fellows

September 12, 2023 (Ottawa, ON) – Today, the Stem Cell Network (SCN) announced $1 million in funding to support research trainees across Canada who are actively engaged in SCN’s 56 ongoing projects and clinical trials.

This additional funding will be provided as a one-time stipend top-up and will benefit over 100 trainees at the Master’s, PhD and post-doctoral levels who are receiving hands-on experience in academic research settings and hospitals from coast to coast. Stipend top-ups will vary dependent on training stage, ranging from $4.5K to $12K.

“We know that our trainees are the future of stem cell and regenerative medicine research,” said Cate Murray, President and CEO of the Stem Cell Network. “We also recognize the significant economic pressures they face during their graduate and post-doctoral studies, and this has been of concern for the Stem Cell Network for some time. I am pleased that through various savings and careful budgeting we are now able to offer this important assistance.”

Today, SCN researchers are unlocking leading-edge treatments for diseases such as type 1 diabetes, retinal degeneration, muscular dystrophies, lung and heart disease, as well as for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis. Since 2001, SCN has trained over 6,400 trainees and funded more than 250 stem cell and regenerative medicine projects, and 30 clinical trials – this research would not be possible without the passion and dedication of the next generation of talent who are fully committed to bringing regenerative medicine to the clinic.

“The Stem Cell Network’s announcement today will further support the talented and driven trainees who are moving the field of regenerative medicine forward,” said The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “By offering more opportunities to our young researchers, we are developing medical research for generations to come, and at the same time providing better healthcare for Canadians.”

For additional details on the Stipend Top-Ups announced today, please see the Question & Answer document here.

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About the 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 6,400 highly qualified personnel have been trained. In 2021, the Government of Canada demonstrated its continuing trust and support in SCN with an investment of $45 million for the 2022–2025 period.

Media Contact:
Samantha Rae Ayoub
Vice President, Communications & Knowledge Mobilization
Stem Cell Network
613-402-3974
srae@stemcellnetwork.ca