To encourage high-quality translational research that may contribute to the success of the Mohn Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine (MRCRM), the Trond Mohn Foundation (TMF) set aside 20 million NOK to support 3-4 projects on the thematic areas listed in the call​. Moreover, the TMF provided 5 million NOK to an additional MRCRM associated project that will be carried out in collaboration with the GMP facility for experimental cell therapy at the Oslo University Hospital (i.e. the “Bergen-Oslo project”). Relevant research groups were invited to submit their application for evaluation in a prequalification round, and the top-ranked applications were invited to submit a full proposal. 

In the prequalification round, the Centre received 16 applications before the deadline of March 22, 2021. Seven outstanding projects, among them one “Bergen-Oslo project”, were invited to submit a full application to the TMF before the deadline of May 31, 2021. An external international board assembled by the TMF reviewed the applications and scored the projects.

 

Apart from the shared focus on regenerative medicine, the area of research presented in the applications spanned from neurological diseases to diabetes to mental illness. Some projects were dedicated to basal science, while others have clinical trials as their starting point. 

The four top-ranking projects recruited through the TMF grants will participate in developing the scientific profile of MRCRM. Still, the Centre hope to attract other research groups by functioning as an umbrella for the entire scientific community within regenerative medicine.