Established by the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), the Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research (OCASCR) aims to promote research in adult stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. It focuses on facilitating research that can lead to restoring normal functions of cells, tissues, and organs damaged by disease. OCASCR strives to make Oklahoma a hub for such research, especially targeting smoking- and obesity-related diseases, and serves as a resource for public information on these topics.
The OCASCR Grants Program focuses on supporting the professional development of scientists in the fields of stem cells and regenerative medicine through Education and Travel Grants. These grants are designed to provide funding for scientists seeking to attend educational courses, participate in training, or engage in "mini-sabbaticals" with the goal of learning new technologies or techniques in stem cell and regenerative medicine. Financial support covers attendance at scientific meetings or seminars, travel, and lodging expenses for training opportunities outside of the scientist's home institution. Applicants are encouraged to detail the training opportunity they aim to pursue, its relevance to their work in adult stem cells or regenerative medicine, and how the knowledge acquired will be shared within their professional community or institution. This initiative aims to enrich the scientific community's expertise in Oklahoma, enhancing research and collaboration in stem cells and regenerative medicine to address major health issues faced by the state.