The ISS National Lab Announces Funding Opportunity in 3D Microphysiological Systems for Organs-On-Chips
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL (September 15, 2015) – Based on a robust response to the recently closed Request for Information, 3D Microphysiological Systems for Organs-On-Chips, the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISSInternational Space Station National Lab) is issuing a “Grand Challenge” seeking flight projects for the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory.
This funding opportunity seeks to accelerate the development of human microphysiological systems, tissue-on-chip, organ-on-chip, and related technologies that address challenges in predictive toxicity assessment during the preclinical phase of drug development or in tissue engineering for regenerative medicine to benefit human disease research on Earth. One or two respondents will be selected to share an award of up to $1M in research grant sponsorship to support a flight project to the ISS National Lab.
The Grand Challenge seeks to support in-vitro models and platform technologies for either fundamental discovery or translational research in microgravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment. where outcomes may be extrapolated to understanding whole organ response to drug exposure or disease onset and progression. Technology platforms of interest will enable space-based research in microphysiological systems or tissue engineering related to tissue-on-a-chip, organ-on-chip, or 3D organotypic tissue constructs that recapitulate the microarchitecture and functions of living organs using human cells. Responsive applicants should seek to use microphysiological systems in microgravity to create and/or interrogate 3D, in-vitro models for bone and cartilage, skeletal muscle, brain, gastrointestinal tract, lung, liver, microvasculature, skin, or other tissues.
The challenge will be open until 5pm EDT on October 16, 2015. For additional information about this funding opportunity, including instructions on submitting a proposal, please visit:
https://sandbox.issnationallab.org/research-on-the-iss/solicitations/3d-microphysiological-systems-for-organs-on-chips-research-rfi/
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About the ISS National Lab: The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISS National Lab) was selected by NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration in July 2011 to maximize use of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory through 2020. the ISS National Lab is dedicated to supporting and accelerating innovations and new discoveries that will enhance the health and wellbeing of people and our planet. For more information, visit issnationallab.org.
About the ISS National Laboratory: In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the International Space Station as the nation’s newest national laboratory to maximize its use for improving life on Earth, promoting collaboration among diverse users, and advancing STEM education. This unique laboratory environment is available for use by other U.S. government agencies and by academic and private institutions, providing access to the permanent microgravity setting, vantage point in low Earth orbit(Abbreviation: LEO) The orbit around the Earth that extends up to an altitude of 2,000 km (1,200 miles) from Earth’s surface. The International Space Station’s orbit is in LEO, at an altitude of approximately 250 miles., and varied environments of space.
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