The Federal Government has announced a $21 million research initiative into stem cell research.

 

The initiative, led by internationally-renowned stem cell researcher Professor Martin Pera from the University of Melbourne, is receiving $21 million in funding from the Federal Government through the Australian Research Council (ARC) Special Research Initiative in Stem Cell Science.

 

Minister for Innovation Senator Carr said Stem Cells Australia would keep Australian researchers at the forefront of a rapidly advancing field.

 

“This initiative gives our talented stem cell researchers the opportunity to carry out highly innovative, internationally-competitive research that could produce discoveries that fundamentally change the direction of health care,” Senator Carr said.

 

“It will also facilitate greater public awareness of the benefits of stem cell research.”

 

Opening Stem Cells Australia on behalf of Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr, ARC Chief Executive Officer Professor Margaret Sheil said the initiative would make an important contribution to life-changing research.

 

“The initiative could deliver stem cell research breakthroughs that would help ease suffering and save lives,” Professor Sheil said.

 

For more information about Stem Cells Australia, visit www.stemcellsaustralia.edu.au.

 

For more information on the ARC Special Research Initiative in Stem Cell Science, visitwww.arc.gov.au/ncgp/sri/stem_cell.htm.