The Stem Cell Network, together with partner organizations, has committed $33 million to advance Canadian stem cell and regenerative medicine research and clinical trials. As part of this national investment, UHN researchers were awarded $3.1 million across seven projects, including three led by UHN principal investigators.
The following UHN-led teams received funding to support innovative stem cell research in heart regeneration, the development of biological pacemakers, and cystic fibrosis:
Dr. Michael Laflamme | Impact Award
The Impact Award supports proof-of-principle experiments, including the development of novel therapeutic or technical approaches to advance regenerative medicine therapies. This award supports Dr. Laflamme, Senior Scientist at the McEwen Stem Cell Institute, with his project entitled: “RNA-based strategies to promote the engraftment of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes”. UHN co-investigators include Drs. Bowen Li and Terrence Yau.
Dr. Stephanie Protze | Early Career Researcher Jump Start Award
The Early Career Researcher Jump Start Award supports early-career investigators in establishing research programs focused on regenerative medicine. This award supports Dr. Protze, Scientist at the McEwen Stem Cell Institute, with her project entitled: “Developing a stem cell-based conduction bridge for patients with atrioventricular block”. UHN co-investigators include Drs. Michael Laflamme, Gary Bader, and Sara Vasconcelos.
Dr. Bowen Li | Early Career Researcher Jump Start Award
Dr. Li, Affiliate Scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, also received an Early Career Researcher Jump Start Award to support his project entitled: “Nonviral delivery of prime editors for gene therapy of cystic fibrosis”.
UHN researchers also received funding as co-investigators on four projects led by collaborating institutions. These include research focused on advanced therapies for lung and heart disease. UHN researchers on these teams include Drs. Cindi Morshead, Guillaume Richard-Carpentier, Bowen Li, Milica Radisic, and Michael Laflamme.
Congratulations to all UHN researchers who received SCN funding. To view all the funded projects and for additional information, visit the Stem Cell Network’s competition results page.