The Australian Stem Cell Centre (ASCC) was Australia's Biotechnology Centre of Excellence, funded by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and the Australian Research Council (ARC). Founded in 2002, the ASCC received a total of $98.55 million to June 2011, at which time the ASCC ceased operations and commenced winding up the organisation. The ASCC is now closed.
The ASCC funded stem cell research; provided services and resources for stem cell researchers; commercialised stem cell discoveries; and enhanced the public's understanding of stem cells. The ASCC website still has available a series of fact sheets and a patient information handbook for downloading.
By providing stem cell specific funding, the ASCC supported in excess of 200 researchers and more than 70 students in over 30 research projects across Australia. This focused approach to fostering an emerging scientific field has ensured that Australia has retained a significant intellectual mass and international presence in the stem cell arena.
Other Government Assistance
Under the ARC Special Research Initiative in Stem Cell Science, the Australian Government has awarded $21 million over seven years to the University of Melbourne’s Stem Cells Australia. Stem Cells Australia will further build Australia’s capacity to conduct world class stem cell research, keeping Australia’s stem cell researchers at the forefront of this rapidly developing field.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is the major funding body for medical research within Australia. Since 2000, the NHMRC has spent around $150 million on stem cell research.
For further information on stem cell research
Email: biotechnology@innovation.gov.au