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CRISPR Screen Grants

Now Accepting Applications! 

Applications are being accepted until October 31, 2023.

The Eshelman Institute for Innovation at UNC Chapel Hill funds the translation of academic science aimed at the development of novel therapeutics. As part of our commitment to expanding the drug discovery infrastructure in North Carolina, the Institute co-funded the recent launch of the UNC CRISPR Screening Facility.  This state-of-the-art laboratory can interrogate the whole genome through CRISPR mutagenesis in search of therapeutic targets, which can become the basis of new drug development programs.

The Eshelman Institute is launching a new grant program to fund screens at the UNC CRISPR Screening Facility with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets. Please see below regarding grant information and important dates. When ready to apply, click here!

Eshelman Institute CRISPR Screen Grant Criteria:

  • Eligibility: Applicants from any North Carolina institution of higher education are eligible to apply for this funding
  • Therapeutic Focus: Screens should be in the therapeutic areas of oncology, neuroscience or infectious disease
  • Use of Funds: Grant funds will be used to cover the costs of the screen at the UNC CRISPR Screening Facility
  • Grant Review Process: Proposals will be reviewed by the UNC CRISPR Facility’s scientific advisory board, therapeutic area experts, and the Eshelman Institute
  • Screen Formats/Models:
    • Applicants will be responsible for the engineering of the cell line, if needed, and the development of the screening assay.
    • Screen formats include whole-genome pooled screens or more focused, arrayed screens of chosen gene sets.
    • Screens can be carried out in human or mouse cells
    • Applicants chosen for funding will have 6 months to generate the materials to run the screen

To submit an application, please click here.

Important Dates:

  • Application Open: August 23, 2023
  • Application Deadline: October 31, 2023
  • Review Process: November 1, 2023 – December 21, 2023
  • Notice of Award: On or before January 3, 2024
  • Screen Start Date: No later than July 1, 2024

 

For more information on the CRISPR screening process please refer to the UNC CRISPR Screening Facility website.

If you have any questions or for an informal consultation prior to submission please email EshelmanInstitute@unc.edu.