MSCRF honored with 2012 Excellence in Technology-Based Economic Development Award by State Science and Technology Institute
COLUMBIA, Md. (Oct. 31, 2012) – The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission (Commission) announced today that it has received the 2012 Excellence in Technology-Based Economic Development (TBED) Award from the State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI). This award, presented at SSTI’s 16th annual conference in Atlanta, recognizes the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) programs for providing competitive grants to public and private entities, advancing cutting-edge research and technology, leveraging state funds, and developing strong economic growth in the life sciences sector. The Excellence in TBED Award follows a national competition to identify the most effective and innovative approaches to building tech-based state and regional economies. The MSCRF is one of only six agencies nationwide to have received this prestigious award.
The MSCRF, which is administered by the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), received this award in the “Expanding the Research Capacity” category for its best practice models in technology-based economic development. MSCRF funding supports a variety of grant programs for stem cell research in Maryland, with the dual goal of developing new medical strategies for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases and spurring economic development in the State.
Since its inception in 2007, the MSCRF has provided more than $101.6 million in funding to 258 innovative Maryland research projects. During its first two years of operation, MSCRF-funded projects generated more than 500 local jobs and $71.3 million in sales revenue for the State. For FY2013, the MSCRF has a budget of $10.4 million. Current Requests for Applications (RFAs) are available on the MSCRF Web site (www.MSCRF.org). They include several funding mechanisms for basic, translational, pre-clinical and clinical human stem cell research, with a focus on advancing regenerative medicine to address a diverse range of debilitating medical conditions.
We are honored to receive the 2012 Excellence in TBED Award from the State Science and Technology Institute,” said Margaret Conn Himelfarb, MPH, chair of the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission. “The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund is establishing new collaborations and helping to build the knowledge base in the field of regenerative medicine. We are pleased to be recognized and fortunate to have the ongoing support of Governor Martin O’Malley and the Maryland General Assembly, who recognize the potential of stem cell research as an economic engine for the State as well as a humanitarian endeavor.”
“The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund is a proven, results-oriented initiative that has helped turn Maryland into a stem cell research leader,” said Dan Berglund, SSTI president and CEO. “Through the Fund, the state has attracted top-tier research talent, effectively leveraged private funding, built world-class programs and stimulated economic growth.”
Recipients of the Excellence in TBED Awards were chosen through a competitive selection process by a panel of accomplished current and former TBED practitioners. The MSCRF was honored on Monday during a ceremony at SSTI’s 16th annual conference in Atlanta, where more than 250 of the nation’s top economic development professionals convened to explore the challenges and opportunities of encouraging regional innovation.
About the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission
The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) was established by the State of Maryland under the Maryland Stem Cell Research Act of 2006 to promote State-funded stem cell research and cures through grants and loans to public and private entities in the State. Administered by The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), the MSCRF is overseen by an independent Commission that sets policy and develops criteria, standards and requirements for applications to the Fund. The current MSCRF budget for FY2013 is $10.4 million. For more information about the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund and a list of Commission members, please visit www.mscrf.org.
About SSTI
The State Science and Technology Institute is a national nonprofit organization that leads, supports and strengthens efforts to improve state and regional economies through science, technology and innovation. For more information, please visit www.ssti.org.