Call for Proposals - 2026 HSCI SEED GRANTS

The Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) invites applications for seed grant funding for its 2026 cycle. The purpose of this program is to provide funding for innovative projects in the field of stem cell and regenerative biology. HSCI strongly encourages proposals with a translational focus or which are poised to accelerate the development of new stem cell-focused therapies. However, proposals at all stages of development are welcome.

Call for Proposals

2026 HSCI SEED GRANTS

AWARD AMOUNT

$50,000/year for a period of no more than two years. 

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION

Monday, March 16, 2026

The Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) invites applications for seed grant funding for its 2026 cycle. The purpose of this program is to provide funding for innovative projects in the field of stem cell and regenerative biology. HSCI strongly encourages proposals with a translational focus or which are poised to accelerate the development of new stem cell-focused therapies. However, proposals at all stages of development are welcome. 

All proposals will be assessed in terms of their ability to further the mission of HSCI: advancing stem cell science to regenerative medicine. 

Seed grants awarded during this cycle will be funded at $50,000 in total costs per year, for a period not to exceed two years.

Eligibility Criteria

All investigators working in the field of stem cell and regenerative biology are welcome to apply. In order to be awarded an HSCI seed grant, an investigator must meet all of the following criteria (as verified by a research/finance administrator at the investigator’s home institution):

  • All applicants require a Harvard faculty appointment
  • Have Principal Investigator status at their home institution
  • Have independent laboratory space assigned to them in their own name (i.e. not assigned space via another investigator)
  • Have independent funding sources in their own name (i.e. start-up funds or sponsored awards)
  • Have any necessary approvals for proposed research in place no later than June 16, 2026.

Proposals for projects with collaborating investigators (co-PIs) are permitted. If a proposal has co-PIs, both PIs must meet all of the eligibility criteria listed above.

* Investigators who have previously received two or more HSCI seed grants are NOT eligible to apply.

Application Requirements & Guidelines

All proposals submitted in response to this call for proposals must contain the following components, each of which must include the enumerated elements:

  1. Proposal Title & Abstract (1 pg. max.)
    1. Proposal title, PI(s) name(s), PI(s) home institution(s)
    2. Abstract (lay-oriented language, 2,500 characters, incl. spaces, max.)
  2. Research Proposal (2pgs. max., with pages numbered)
    1. Background/Rationale
    2. Specific research aims
    3. Preliminary studies (if applicable)
    4. Anticipated research milestones

* Pages listing references do NOT count against page limit.

  1. Annual Budget Page
    1. Total annual costs may not exceed $50,000, including indirect costs that align with your institution's needs/expectations.
    2. Indicate amounts for personnel and non-personnel (supplies/services/animals) expenditures.

* Equipment is not allowed on HSCI seed grants

  1. Biosketch (2 pgs. max, including the below)
    1. NIH format
    2. List recent financial support, indicate if directly applicable to the proposed project

* Include biosketches for any co-PIs

SUBMISSION PROCESS

Applicants must submit their application by the submission deadline.

  • Submission is via a single PDF emailed to Robert Perez at  robertperez@fas.harvard.edu 

  • Proposal components should be ordered according to the order listed above

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed by the HSCI Executive Committee, and all applicants will be notified of the outcome of the review process by May 2026. Successful applicants will be issued a seed grant with a funding start date in 2026.

REVIEW CRITERIA

The goal of the HSCI is to improve human health by supporting basic, translational, or clinical work in any field of stem cell or regenerative biology. Factors for reviewers’ consideration include: scientific quality, relevance to the HSCI mission, potential for impact on regenerative biomedicine and potential to promote collaboration within the HSCI community.

The HSCI Executive Committee will evaluate proposals primarily for their potential to advance these goals. However, the HSCI will also consider the potential of the proposal to secure funding from other sources as-is, and/or the potential of the proposed research, if successful, to secure follow-on funding from public, philanthropic, or commercial sources.

INQUIRIES

Questions about the HSCI Seed Grant Program may be addressed to Robert Perez, HSCI Grants Officer, robertperez@fas.harvard.edu.

Thank you for your interest in HSCI.

 

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