Consultation forum

Priorities and processes for allocation of NSW stem cell grant funds

On 6 August 2007, the NSW Premier, the Hon Morris Iemma MP and the NSW Minister for Science and Medical Research, the Hon Verity Firth MP announced a $500,000 commitment for embryonic stem cell research to be undertaken, using techniques now allowed under licence. This follows legislative amendments to NSW passed in June 2007, consistent with Commonwealth reforms passed in December 2006 and Victoria in May 2007.

It is intended that the initial grant will be used to accelerate research using the Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer technique, with funds being sourced from the NSW Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions Research Grant Program. Should the early work be successful, further funds may be made available to stem cell research.

The NSW Office for Science and Medical Research (OSMR) is holding a consultation forum to discuss priorities and process for allocation of the announced funds, and potential future directions and opportunities.

Date: Thursday 23 August 2007
Time: 2pm-4pm
Venue: ANZAC Room, Level 47, MLC Centre, 19 Martin Place, Sydney

There is also a broader interest in identifying and supporting the NSW stem cell sector.  Therefore, notwithstanding the intended initial focus on SCNT, in this process, OSMR is seeking to engage:

• Those working with adult as well as embryonic stem cells, given the inter-relationship between the fields
• Researchers intending to use techniques other than SCNT now allowed under the legislative reforms
  with the view to how their work might align with the initial funding tranche, or be supported in future 

An agenda will be available prior to the forum.

RSVP:
Please RSVP by providing your name, title, organisation, telephone and e-mail details to Emma Burns emma.burns@osmr.nsw.gov.au  by 17 August 2007.

Enquiries:
All enquiries should be directed to Suzanne Pierce suzanne.pierce@osmr.nsw.gov.au.