From 2011 until end of 2019, Stem Cells Australia supported over 300 researchers across Australia to learn more about stem cell biology and how to harness the potential of these cells for new diagnostic, therapeutic and biotechnological applications. The Australian Government provided $24 million over this period through the Australian Research Council’s Special Research Initiative scheme.
This Special Research Initiative in Stem Cell Science was established as a consortium between leading Australian universities and medical research institutes.
Founding members were the University of Melbourne, Monash University, University of Queensland, University of New South Wales, CSIRO, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, with Murdoch Children’s Research Institute joining in 2016.
The University of Sydney, Western Sydney University, University of Wollongong, University of Tasmania and University of Western Australia joined the initiative in mid-2018, when the initiative received support for a one-year extension. The University of Newcastle, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Hunter Medical Research Institute and Hudson Institute of Medical Research became affiliate members in late 2018.
The University of Melbourne was the Administering Organisation for the duration of the initiative and in 2019 received permission from the Australian Research Council to continue the public education activities following the formal cessation of the Special Research Initiative.
