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Dear Colleagues,
Happy New Year, and welcome to a new year of research, collaboration, and discovery at UCSF. We look forward to supporting our research community throughout 2026 and sharing important updates, funding opportunities, and resources in the months ahead.
As we begin 2026, the NIH has announced an important update following the December 29 agreement in the APHA/Massachusetts v. NIH case. As the Vice Chancellor for Research, Hal Collard, summarized in a communication via the Office of Research newsletter, the federal government is reviewing over 5,000 grant applications delayed by executive orders and actions of the Trump Administration, including hundreds from UCSF.
In this issue, we welcome Natalya Maisel to her new role as DOM director of research administration and revenue management, recognize recent awardees across our community, introduce the new UCSF Center for Precision Research in Critical Care, and share current funding opportunities.
We also highlight important research compliance updates, including new requirements affecting all NIH proposals and progress reports, and new training requirements for investigators generating clinical trial data intended for submission to international regulatory authorities.
All the best,
Diane and David
Diane Havlir, MD
Associate Chair for Clinical Research
David Erle, MD
Associate Chair for Biomedical Research
| | Introducing New Director of Research Administration and Revenue Management | | |
Natalya Maisel has been appointed DOM director of research administration and revenue management. In this role, Natalya oversees all aspects of research administration for the department. Her portfolio includes compliance, effort reporting, post-award administration, and analytics, as well as representing the department in all research matters, including collaboration with central offices on pre-award administration and contracting. She is excited to leverage her background in AI tools and analytics to help strengthen DOM’s research administration processes. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to her (Natalya Maisel) to discuss any of your research administration needs.
| | First-time R01s or Equivalent Awards | | Please let Ilona Paredes know if we inadvertently missed your K award, first R01, or equivalent award in this issue of the newsletter. We will make sure to feature your award in our next issue. | | DOM Spotlight Feature: Carolyn Calfee and Michael Matthay | | |
The UCSF Center for Precision Research in Critical Care (CPR-CC) is a new, multidisciplinary initiative dedicated to advancing discovery and improving outcomes for critically ill patients through innovative, patient-centered research. Created and led by Drs. Carolyn Calfee and Michael Matthay, the Center brings together investigators across Medicine, Anesthesia, Surgery, Pediatrics, and related disciplines to support collaborative clinical and translational studies in critical care, with a particular focus on precision medicine approaches. As part of its inaugural activities, the CPR-CC is launching a Pilot Grant Program to support early-career investigators pursuing high-impact critical care research. Applications for the inaugural cycle will be due in March 2026. Learn more about the Center and the Pilot Grant Program at https://cprcc.ucsf.edu.
We welcome any and all interested faculty, trainees, and staff to subscribe to the CPR-CC listserv CPR-CC@listserv.ucsf.edu for updates on pilot grant opportunities, upcoming seminars, new research initiatives, and other activities of the Center. Faculty, trainees, and staff interested in learning more or becoming involved are encouraged to contact us at cprcc@ucsf.edu.
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We’re excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our faculty. If you know of recent awards, honors, or recognitions that we should highlight in future newsletters, please share them with Ilona Paredes—we’d love to spread the word!
| | Research Support Programs | | |
IMPACT Scholars Program
Applications are due by Friday, January 30
The IMPACT Scholars program is designed to prepare UCSF faculty, staff, and students who conduct research to disseminate their findings to governmental policymakers and those who influence them (e.g., professional societies and advocacy organizations). All UCSF-affiliated faculty, staff, and students who conduct research and are interested in disseminating the results of their research to a policy audience are welcome to apply. Applicants from all schools and departments and each of UCSF’s clinical sites and affiliates are welcome. Participants do not need to have a significant policy background prior to applying.
IMPACT Scholars will take the online ImS/EPI 249: Translating Evidence into Policy at no cost. In addition to the course, participants will meet 3 times during the course for networking, guest speakers, and other opportunities.
After participating in the IMPACT Scholars, you will be able to:
- Define a specific policy problem and solution, based on evidence and experience.
- Organize effective communication strategies with policymakers to influence decision-making.
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Utilize principles of effective community engagement to partner with the community for policy change.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to build relationships with other evidence-to-policy scientists at UCSF as part of the IMPACT Scholars program, which will bring together a cohort of 10 participants.
Email impactprogram@ucsf.edu external site (opens in a new window) with any questions.
ImS 249 Course Catalog Description external site (opens in a new window).
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January Writing Focused Work Café
Friday, January 30
The UCSF CAPS Developmental Core will be hosting a Writing and Focused Work Café. The CAPS Writing Café is open to all researchers, regardless of their area of focus, and is not limited to those conducting
research related to AIDS.
Faculty, trainees, and staff from any university are invited to join on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 9 AM-12 PM. A Zoom link will be provided to those who RSVP.
Please bring a work-related project you need to complete. We will briefly share what
our goals are for this time and then follow the Pomodoro technique to keep us focused by working in intervals for a total of three hours with short and small breaks in between.
Please RSVP to Mireya Avila if you would like to attend.
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Scientific Review Training Program Kick-Off Event
Applications are due by Thursday, February 12
The Scientific Review Training Program is an event series that will help attendees refine their scientific writing skills, practice reviewing manuscripts and grants, and gain exposure to a broader set of scientists and scientific topics.
This event - the first in a series of four - will be held in person and include refreshments. Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career faculty will collaboratively review a series of manuscript abstracts, focusing on elements that contribute to a compelling and clear summary.
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PIVOT Early-Stage Investigators Course (PIVOT)
Applications are due by Friday, February 13
The Principal InVestigator Organizational management Training (PIVOT) for Early-Stage Investigators is an interactive training course that provides foundational guidance for early-stage investigators to successfully launch their independent research programs. The course is led by Gabriel Chamie, MD, MPH, Jennifer Chen, MD, Leonard Telesca, MSOD, and Natalya Maisel, PhD.
Applications for the program are now open, with sessions scheduled from late April to early June. For more information, please visit the website. Click the link below to apply by February 13, 2026.
Please reach out to Danielle Mizuiri with any questions.
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Update on PREPARE Reviewer Compensation
There has been a change in the compensation process for faculty participating in the PREPARE program as grant reviewers.
The School of Medicine Academic Affairs has determined that responsibilities related to grant reviews are considered university service and therefore do not qualify for additional pay. As a result, payments directly to faculty for reviewing concept sheets and full proposals will no longer be approved.
Fortunately, DOM chair Bob Wachter has approved a new policy that will deposit the same amounts—$200 per concept sheet reviewed and $500 per full proposal reviewed—into faculty discretionary accounts for reviews performed after July 2025 and for future reviews. While this is not a full substitute for direct payment, we hope this will still be viewed as a meaningful benefit for contributing to the program and to the research community.
We appreciate your continued contributions to the PREPARE program and recognize the significant effort involved in reviewing grant proposals. If you have any questions or concerns about this update, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ilona Paredes.
Thank you for your understanding and for your ongoing dedication to the PREPARE program.
Best,
Judy, Joanne, David and Diane
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Multiethnic Health Equity Research Center (MERC)
Applications are due by Friday, January 30
The Multiethnic Health Equity Research Center (MERC) is pleased to announce the fifth annual Emerging Health Equity Scholar Award, in collaboration with the Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education (CTCRE) and the Smoking Cessation Leadership Center (SCLC).
This award recognizes UCSF early-career investigators who conduct racial and ethnic health equity research. Additional topics of interest are tobacco and commercial determinants of health.
Eligible individuals may submit a self-nomination application available here by Friday, January 30, 2026, 5 PM.
Selected Scholars will deliver a brief research presentation at the in-person 2026 "It's About a Billion Lives" Annual Symposium and receive a small monetary award.
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Robert A. Winn Career Development Award
Application period runs from January 5 to May 4
This rigorous two-year program supports the career development of early-career investigator-physicians through structured education and mentorship on community-oriented clinical trial design and implementation. Participants work to ensure that treatments are safe and effective for all populations and that more communities have equitable access to the latest advances in medicine.
The program provides $120,000 per year for two years, with funding that protects 40% of
the scholar's time for participation in program activities.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Demonstrated commitment to improving patient participation in clinical trials.
- Physician (MD, DO, or international equivalent) with an active U.S. medical license.
- U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Research focus:
- cancer
- cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases, or
- neuropsychiatry
- Currently in the first through eighth year of a full-time clinical faculty appointment.
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Mount Zion Health Fund
Applications are due by Friday, January 23
The Mount Zion Health Fund Board of Directors invite you to participate in a call for proposals for initiatives that advance health equity, patient well-being, and academic-community collaboration in alignment with MZHF’s restricted fund purposes. Mount Zion Health Fund reflects the Jewish values
and the legacy of Mount Zion Hospital by supporting programs and research that improve
the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of vulnerable populations in San Francisco.
Key Dates and Funding:
- Application deadline: January 23, 2026
- Award notifications: Late March 20, 2026
- Number of awards: Approximately 5–10 grants ranging from $10,000–$120,000 over
- 12–24 months
Priority Areas:
- Patient Care: Projects addressing unmet or emerging health needs among financially vulnerable populations, particularly those improving access to or continuity of care for low-income, uninsured, or underinsured patients. Priority areas include cancer care, cardiovascular care, pediatrics, mental health, pediatric vaccines, and transgender health.
- Research & Collaboration: Multidisciplinary research projects connected to the Mount Zion campus, with priority given to cancer and cardiology, as well as work addressing areas impacted by federal resource constraints.
All proposed projects must have a direct connection to the Mount Zion campus.
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American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Applications are due by Tuesday, January 27
The American Association for Cancer Research has issued a request for applications for its Career Development Awards to Foster Diversity and Inclusion, designed to support early-stage scientists pursuing careers in cancer research.
This program supports basic, translational, or population sciences research with direct relevance to the understanding, detection, diagnosis, interception, treatment, or prevention
of cancer. Clinical research projects will not be eligible. $300,000 will be awarded over a three-year project period.
Eligibility Criteria:
At the start of the grant term on September 1, 2026, applicants must:
- Hold a doctoral degree in a related field and not be enrolled in another degree program.
- Have no clinical responsibilities.
- Hold a faculty position (assistant professor, instructor, research assistant professor, or the equivalent).
- Have attained their first independent investigator position between September 1, 2020, and September 1, 2026.
- Have an independent laboratory space.
- Not have served as a PI on a substantial independent research award (R01, DP2, DP5, MIRA, or equivalent).
Application Information:
- Applicants must be AACR members in good standing. Nonmembers can apply for membership online before applying; AACR can help match prospective members with nominating members, if needed.
- LOI deadline is January 27, 2026. If you are invited to submit a full proposal, the deadline will be May 19, 2026.
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The Larry L. Hillblom Foundation
Applications are due by Saturday, January 31
The Larry L. Hillblom Foundation is soliciting applications for its Start-Up Grant Program, which supports investigators launching independent research careers in Diabetes and Aging.
This award is intended for early-stage investigators with a distinct, independent research plan that is separate from their mentor’s work, scientifically important, and feasible.
Award Details:
- Up to $120,000 per year (including 10% indirect costs).
- Funding available for up to three years.
The Host Institution Must Provide:
- A faculty appointment (typically Assistant Professor level).
- A full start-up package, including financial and non-financial support.
- Office space, research space, administrative support, and access to core facilities.
- Teaching and/or clinical duties limited to no more than one day per week.
- Salary support independent of clinical revenue.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Preference for applicants who have held a faculty (or equivalent) position for no more than one year.
- Strong preference for applicants able to devote at least 80% effort to the project in year one.
- Research plan must be independent, impactful, and achievable.
Application Information:
- Open RFP (unlimited submissions from UCSF).
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Applicants must email Suzy Beemer to declare intent to apply
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American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR)
Applications are due by Wednesday, February 18
The American Federation for Aging Research in partnership with the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research (GFMR) are soliciting applications for the Glenn Foundation Discovery Award program.
This award was created to support research projects with strong potential to develop pioneering discoveries for understanding the underlying biological mechanisms that govern normal human aging and its related physiological decline.
Relevant proposals from any branch of biology are eligible. This funding program specifically seeks to include principal investigators who may not have previously worked in aging, but whose research and expertise apply to understanding the biological mechanisms of normal aging and its relevance to age-associated health decline.
Award Amount:
- $555,000 (including 8% indirect costs).
- Three-year project period.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Full-time faculty member at the rank of Assistant Professor or higher at the time of the LOI deadline.
- Assistant Professors must have established R01-level or equivalent funding.
- Strong record of independent publication beyond the postdoctoral level.
Application Information:
- Open RFP (unlimited submissions from UCSF).
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Applicants should follow RFP instructions and notify their Grants Officer early.
- Letter of Intent deadline: February 18, 2026.
- Full proposal deadline (if invited): Mid-June 2026.
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New Biosketch and Other Support Forms in SciENcv
NOT-OD-26-018: NIH and AHRQ will require the Biographical Sketch Common Form, the Current and Pending (Other) Support Common Form, and a new NIH Biographical Sketch Supplement for all applications, Just-in-Time (JIT), RPPRs, and Prior Approval submissions on or after January 25, 2026.
Many of us have been preparing these, and they can take some time to complete and upload. OSR and DOM have provided an overview, resource pages for the Biosketch and Other Support forms, and step-by-step guidance.
OSR will also be hosting two office hours that PIs can attend to ask specific questions about these SciENcv forms:
Please use this form to submit questions in advance.
• January 22, 10:10 AM-11 AM Registration Link
• January 27, 10:10 AM-11 AM Registration Link
Research Security Training:
NOT-OD-26-017: NIH will implement Research Security Training (RST) requirements mandated by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Beginning May 25, 2026, all senior/key personnel listed on NIH applications must certify that they have completed RST within the 12 months prior to submission.
See OSR for more information. The “Research Security Training at the University of California” course (available in the UC Learning Center) fulfills this requirement. Senior/key personnel must continue to certify annually that they have completed training within the past 12 months.
Please reach out to Natalya Maisel for questions about any of these new requirements.
| | Required Training for Investigators Generating Clinical Trial Data Intended for Submission to International Regulatory Authorities | | |
Office and Ethics and Compliance
On behalf of the Office of Ethics and Compliance, please review the training memorandum outlining UCSF’s approach to the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Guideline E6, Revision 3 (R3) training. This training is available through UCSF’s CITI Program.
All researchers and study staff conducting research subject to ICH-GCP requirements must complete the required training by February 20, 2026.
The Office of Ethics and Compliance has also launched a new ICH-GCP webpage with helpful resources, which will be updated as additional information becomes available.
For questions or assistance, please contact the Office of Ethics and Compliance Regulatory Support Team.
| | If you'd like to contribute to future newsletters, please send your items to Ilona Paredes. | | Informational Resources for the Research Community | | |
Copyright © 2026, University of California, San Francisco, All rights reserved.
Please send comments, suggestions, and questions to:
diane.havlir@ucsf.edu and david.erle@ucsf.edu
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