The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) that seeks to gather insight from subject matter experts and entities with experience in three-dimensional (3D) microphysiological systems for organs-on-chips research models. CASIS is tasked with managing and promoting research onboard the ISS U.S. National Laboratory, and this RFI is intended to precede a sponsored research program using these microphysiological systems.
This RFI is part of a CASIS initiative, Campaign Good Health, and represents an opportunity to bring new tools to biology, medicine, pharmacology, physiology, and toxicology for research applications on the ISS National Lab to benefit human disease research, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine on Earth. CASIS plans to develop a research program as part of Campaign Good Health that will provide opportunities for research on the ISS National Lab seeking to use microphysiological systems in microgravity to create and/or interrogate 3D in-vitro models for bone and cartilage, skeletal muscle, brain, gastrointestinal tract, lung, liver, microvasculature, skin, or other tissues. Campaign Good Health is an over-arching CASIS initiative to translate observations in space to human health benefits on Earth.
“Life in microgravity can be challenging but offers many opportunities for discovery and innovation in the life sciences,” said CASIS Senior Scientist Dr. Michael Roberts. “Part of the role of CASIS is to enable investigators access to space to advance their research programs. Through this RFI, the ISS National Laboratory will better understand what researchers need in a microgravity environment to bring the best possible results to their inquiries and benefit life on Earth.”
The RFI will be open until 5pm ET on September 8, 2015. For additional information about this RFI, including instructions on submitting a proposal, please visit:
http://www.iss-casis.org/Opportunities/Solicitations/RFIOrgansOnChipsResearch2015.aspx
