On May 8, New York Governor David Paterson announced the availability of nearly $109 million in new State funding for stem cell research. The announcement marked the second round of funding to support the State’s 11-year, $600 million stem cell research initiative, which was approved as part of the NYS 2007–08 budget. The Governor also issued four Requests for Applications (RFAs) for proposals that encourage scientific collaboration, facilitate development and acquisition of specialized equipment, and support researcher-initiated stem cell research. The program’s first round of funding, totaling nearly $15 million and awarded in January to 25 research institutions, focused on increasing the capacity of research institutions in New York State to conduct stem cell research. The second round of funding is scheduled to be awarded in October 2008, with letters of intent due on May 28, 2008, and all applications due on June 30. For more information about the RFAs, go to www.nyhealth.gov/funding.