Information for Applicants

CIRM has compiled the following resources to support you and your institution in the application process. Before submitting your application, please be sure to read all relevant guidelines and requirements before submitting your application.


 

Data Sharing and Management

As articulated in CIRM’s 2022-2027 strategic plan, CIRM is committed to building infrastructure that organizes and democratizes data through knowledge networks that foster a culture of open science and advance novel, discovery, translational and clinical research approaches. The CIRM knowledge networks will facilitate effective management, standardization, sharing and collaborative analysis of CIRM-funded data.

As an important step toward realizing this goal, CIRM requires that data generated using CIRM funds are shared using FAIR principles, as delineated in a Data Sharing and Management Plan (DSMP). Please consult the DSMP Guidelines for CIRM data sharing requirements and guidance on how to prepare a DSMP.

Discovery Stage Programs (DISC0, DISC2)

Application Stage: Data Sharing Overview 
A general overview of a plan for sharing data produced in the proposed project (Data Sharing Overview) must be included in the application. Instructions for completing a Data Sharing Overview are provided in the application.  

Pre-Funding Administrative Review (PFAR) for awarded projects: DSMP
If a project is awarded and proposes to generate omics and /or flow cytometry data, a DSMP must be submitted to CIRM as Just in Time (JIT) material during PFAR, using DSMP for Omics and Flow Cytometry Data templates.  

DSMP Guidelines  
DSMP for Omics and Flow Cytometry Data – Guidelines – Discovery Awards

DSMP templates (DSMP consists of 2 documents, Parts A & B) 
Part A – DSMP for Omics and Flow Cytometry Data – Data Catalog
Part B – DSMP for Omics and Flow Cytometry Data – Questionnaire

For data from other types of experiments (e.g., imaging, electrophysiology, etc.), CIRM may work with the awardee to develop a DSMP and establish data sharing milestones prior to CIRM issuing a Notice of Award. 

Translational and Clinical Trial Stage Research

A DSMP must be submitted as part of the application. The template for the DSMP is provided as part of the online application in the Upload section. 

Data Repositories

CIRM expects that data will be deposited in established data repositories when possible. Please consult the Data Repositories Guidance for information about established data repositories. 


 

Clinically Compatible hPSC lines for Therapeutic Development and Commercialization

Any applicant who intends to develop an allogeneic human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived therapeutic with CIRM funding must establish evidence of disease/injury modifying activity using a clinically compatible cell source that can be translated for clinical use. An applicant should plan to select a clinically compatible hPSC line to establish this data during the course of a DISC2 award or must have already established this data if applying for TRAN1 or CLIN1.

The link below provides information on known providers of clinically compatible hPSC lines as well as providers making their lines available to CIRM awardees as part of the CIRM Industry Resource Partner Program.

CIRM Information for Applicants: Clinically Compatible hPSC Lines


 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

All CIRM applications must include a DEI statement. The GWG and CIRM’s governing board will evaluate these statements as a review criterion in making funding recommendations.

DEI is evaluated by scientific GWG members as one of the scientific review criteria in all CIRM programs as described in their respective PA/RFAs. In addition, DEI is evaluated by patient advocate and nurse members of the GWG (GWG Board Members) in CIRM Translational and Clinical programs. The respective rubrics utilized by the GWG Board Members are provided in the links below.

TRAN GWG Board Member DEI Rubric
CLIN GWG Board Member DEI Rubric