Stem Cell Research

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), through its Division of Public Health, is administering the RFA 6251 to support scientific research on non-embryonic stem cells. This initiative is authorized under the Nebraska Stem Cell Research Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 71-8801 to 71-8806), enacted during the 2008 legislative session. The program is funded by state dollars derived from tobacco settlement funds and overseen by the Nebraska Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee, which includes academic and scientific leaders such as the deans of accredited Nebraska medical schools and external scientists experienced in non-embryonic stem cell research. This advisory group plays a central role in evaluating applications and providing peer review in alignment with NIH scoring standards. The primary purpose of this grant is to advance stem cell research in Nebraska that does not involve the use or destruction of human embryos. Prohibited activities include any research involving embryonic stem cells, the destruction of embryos, or the creation of embryos via somatic cell nuclear transfer. Eligible research may involve adult stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), or other ethically acceptable non-embryonic sources. DHHS is offering a total of $436,500 in available state funding, with individual project awards capped at $110,000. These grants must be matched on a 1:1 basis with non-state funds, as required by Nebraska law. The application is open exclusively to Nebraska-based institutions and researchers who meet specific eligibility criteria. Sponsoring institutions must have established, large-scale research programs capable of supporting complex stem cell research. Principal Investigators (PIs) must hold a doctoral or professional degree (e.g., PhD, MD, DVM) and be employed at an eligible Nebraska institution. Fellows or post-doctoral researchers are not eligible. Each sponsoring institution may submit up to five proposals in this funding cycle, and no PI may hold more than one active grant under this program at any given time. The required application components are extensive and modeled after NIH standards. Applicants must include a completed face page, abstract and specific aims, research plan, detailed budget and justification, biographical sketches of key personnel, and institutional match attestation. Research plans are limited to five pages and must articulate the scientific significance, methodology, innovation, and anticipated impact. Projects involving human or animal subjects or recombinant DNA require appropriate IRB, IACUC, or IBC approvals before any funds can be expended. All applicants must also provide detailed reporting, including interim reports due January 31, 2027, and final reports due July 31, 2027. Applications must be received by April 26, 2026. Submissions may be made electronically via ShareFile or mailed/hand-delivered in sealed format. Written questions are accepted through March 27, 2026, and DHHS will post responses on its website by April 3, 2026. The application review period begins April 26, with evaluations running through June 30, 2026. The performance period is from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with the possibility of a one-year extension, although extensions are not guaranteed. Payments are based strictly on allowable and actual costs, and the program prohibits the collection of profit or indirect costs. Awards are determined by scientific merit, as scored by the Nebraska Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee using NIH criteria such as significance, innovation, PI qualifications, research environment, and methodological rigor. Recommendations are forwarded to the Chief Medical Officer of the Division of Public Health for final approval. An “Intent to Award” notice will be posted by June 30, 2026, with formal agreements executed shortly thereafter. Post-award updates may be requested at 1, 5, and 10-year intervals to assess the long-term impact of funded research.

Use NIH review scoring guidance; clarity, scientific merit, and innovation are heavily weighted.