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Human Biospecimen Pipeline Development RFA

The Office of Collaborative Research (OCR) is pleased to announce the Human Biospecimen Pipeline Development RFA, a new award to support researchers establish or improve pipelines for obtaining human biospecimens from clinical settings. Whether you are creating a new pipeline or enhancing an existing one with limited support or accessibility, this initiative aims to support the development and expansion of valuable clinical sample streams.
Awarded proposals will receive up to 25% support (*) from a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) for one year, provided through OCR. The OCR CRC can assist with a variety of tasks, depending on biospecimen pipeline needs, including:
⦿ Study planning and setup
⦿ Participant recruitment and screening
⦿ Informed consent process
⦿ Clinical coordination and sample acquisition
⦿ Data collection and management
⦿ Regulatory compliance
⦿ Patient care and communication
(NEW!) OCR will provide limited Data Manager support during the launch phase to establish sample inventorying and core metadata databases. This effort is intended to enable scalable data practices and future funding competitiveness, though, it is not intended as ongoing data management support.
This initiative is designed to demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining high-quality biospecimens, generate preliminary data, and position researchers to apply for funding through major grant mechanisms to sustain the pipeline long-term.
At the conclusion of the award period, the PI will be expected to work closely with an OCR Research Development Strategist & Grantwriter to develop a competitive proposal for long-term funding based on the data and infrastructure established during the project.
The initiative is open to active ImmunoX members who are seeking to establish or improve biospecimen pipelines for clinical-translational research (**). Collaborators outside ImmunoX are welcome, but the lead applicant must be an ImmunoX member.
Selection is based on the following criteria: scientific merit, feasibility, collaboration, and community benefit. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of UCSF faculty/staff selected for expertise and alignment with program goals (***).
While all proposals will be considered, priority will be given to pipelines that offer the greatest benefit to the ImmunoX research community, such as those promoting highly collaborative opportunities, supporting high-impact or promising research areas yet to be extensively studied, or improving access to diverse and vulnerable populations to diversify sampling and promote inclusivity in research. Additional priority will also be given to proposals in which a clinical partner has been identified and is committed to the effort, and where IRB approval is already in place.
To apply, please fill out and submit the form below no later than Friday, February 27, 2026.
(*) Percent effort of a CRC will be assessed by OCR based on need and availability.
(**) UCSF does not use race, gender, sex, or other protected categories in eligibility or selection. All selection processes adhere to federal and state antidiscrimination laws (Title VII, ADA, FEHA, Prop 209) and UC policies.
(***) Reviewers are chosen by the OCR Director based on expertise. All reviewers complete the UCSF Anti-Discrimination in Programs and Activities training and disclose conflicts of interest. Reviewers with conflicts are recused.

PI Name:

Email:

Primary department:

Are you an ImmunoX member?

Is this a new or existing clinical sample stream?

Describe the proposed clinical sample stream, including biospecimen types, source population and clinical locations, clinic days, and the estimated rate and duration of collection.

What specific resources, infrastructure, or accommodations are needed to establish this clinical sample stream (e.g., CRC effort and responsibilities, clinical workflows, space, equipment, databasing, language access, special skillsets)?

Briefly describe the research questions these samples will enable:

Who else would benefit from or be interested in this biospecimen pipeline (e.g., specific labs, programs, research communities)? Please upload a list of names and affiliations:

Have you obtained or initiated the necessary regulatory approvals (e.g., IRB) for this pipeline?

Are you or a collaborator willing and able to lead the preparation of a grant application with support from an OCR Grantwriter?

If successful, how would access to this biospecimen pipeline be managed or shared with other researchers?