June 2023
Parnassus Research and Academic Building Construction Update
The Parnassus Heights Revitalization is progressing with the UC Hall demolition. The major work will start in July.
NIH Modular vs. Non-Modular Budgets
As most principal investigators know, the NIH requires use of a “modular budget” for R01 research grant applications and other programs requesting up to $250k in direct costs per year. In a modular research grant application, direct cost funding is requested in $25k increments, with no requirement for a detailed budget. NIH implemented modular budgets to simplify the application process and ensure that institutions and reviewers focus on the science proposed, rather than budget details.
 
Since modular budgets were implemented, there has been some speculation about whether use of a modular budget results in a better chance for funding for an R01 application. But analysis by the NIH National Cancer Institute found no correlation between budget type and success rate. In fact, the analysis showed that non-modular applications had a slightly higher NCI success rate for Early Stage Investigator, New Investigator, and Established Investigator applications. That said, it was acknowledged that there are many factors which affect success, but there was no indication of a disadvantage for non-modular applications.
 
The takeaway is that principal investigators should request funding necessary to complete the proposed project. It is best practice to always prepare an internal detailed budget to ensure sufficient funding to complete the project. If you have any questions regarding modular versus non-modular budgets, please reach out to Mae Moredo, director of OSR Proposals and Grants Division, or your assigned OSR Grant Specialist or Officer.
Congratulations: Pew Awards
Two researchers have received Pew awards: James Gardner, MD, PhD is a Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences and Rebeca de Paiva Fróes Rocha, PhD is a Pew Latin American Fellow in the Biomedical Sciences.
Dominica Randazzo Named Associate Director of Clinical Trials Operations
The Clinical Trials Operations (CTO) office is happy to announce that after a competitive search Dominica Randazzo will assume the role of associate director of CTO, effective July 10. Dominica has over 12 years of experience in directing clinical research teams and driving research productivity. She is a member of the Research Action Group for Equity (RAGE) Steering Committee and of the CRC Council and serves as an expert adviser and trainer for the CTO Training team. In her new role Dominica will be responsible for leading the successful implementation of program objectives, including reporting on trial activation metrics to executive leadership and providing corresponding impact analysis to develop recommendations for data-driven operational changes.
Profiles Highlights
Events
ICYMI: Integration of UCSF CTSI Biospecimen Processing Lab Services and BCH Oakland Processing Lab
The June 2 Town Hall discussion (watch video) included the vision for integration, an overview of CTSI’s Clinical Research Services program, faculty support for research, lab operations, BSPL updates, finance details, and an introduction to the Office of Clinical Trial Activation (OCTA). For questions regarding lab services, visit the Biospecimen Processing Lab website. For more information, email Marquette.GoochNelson@ucsf.edu (CTSI) or Dayna.Long@ucsf.edu (CTSI faculty liaison).

The CTST Programs’ RRTP is pleased to announce and congratulate our Mentor of the Year winner Elan Guterman, MD. This award is given to an exceptional mentor, nominated by a mentee who has participated in one or more RRTPs.

June 23 | 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. virtual
This UCSF Archives and Special Collections online symposium is an opportunity for researchers to learn and share research at the intersection of health sciences, data science, and digital humanities.

Deadline: July 7

July 13 | 10-11 a.m. virtual
Global Programs Kenya Country Director Dr. Koki Kinagwi will present. Register here and contact International Research Support Operations (irso@ucsf.edu) for more information.

July 13 | 1-2:30 p.m. virtual
Esteemed panelists will address the efforts to build a more inclusive and anti-oppressive publishing ecosystem and the current state of biomedical research publishing.

July 17-19 | UC Berkeley and virtual
This conference brings technologists from across the University of California system to celebrate and promote innovation and collaboration.

July 17-September 1 | virtual
Training in the responsible conduct of research is required for all NIH grantees every four years, and at least once per career stage. This summer course is free for UCSF affiliated scholars.

July 18 | 4:30-7 p.m., IRM Board Room
Watch the untold journey of women in science at this Picture a Scientist screening and hear from remarkable women at UCSF who are pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Learn from their experiences and be a part of the discussion!

July 19 | noon - 1 p.m. virtual
The town hall will include presentations from the Office of Clinical Trial Activation (OCTA) about their new Coverage Analysis Determination Form, Current Activation Pipeline Dashboard, and other updates relevant to CRCs.

January 24-26, 2024 | Silicon Valley
Learn about next year's program and register early.
Funding Opportunities
UCSF – IRM member postdoctoral scholars are invited to apply for funds from a grant program made possible by support from the IRM. The program is designed to encourage creative and independent research driven by postdoctoral scholars in both basic and translational research programs. Deadline: July 14
NIH Updates
Policy & Guidance
  • Attention applicants for NICHD funding: If you applied to PAR-20-299 or PAR-20-300 for the April 11, 2023 due date, read this important announcement on the data management and sharing plan.
  • Updates to NIH Genomic Data Sharing Policy Institutional Certification forms: Did your application, under review for award, propose generation of large-scale human/non-human genomic data? Read about the updated Institutional Certification form required before an award can be issued.
Infrastructure and Operations
Ensure that your department complies with all UC equipment policies related to faculty or PI separation.

The upgrade will elevate the CLE user experience by adding new features and enhancements and introducing an intuitive and contemporary look and feel.
Information, Trainings, and Tools
Adverse events (AEs) that occur in gene transfer studies must be reported to the IRB if they are (1) related to the research and (2) unexpected. This is a change from previous reporting guidance for gene transfer research, which did not require the AE to be related to the research.

Researchers required to post results on ClinicalTrials.gov should be aware of increased enforcement by NIH and that late submissions can jeopardize current and future funding.

Track progress, status, and performance of activities related to activation of research studies entered into OnCore.

Apply to Clinical Research Workshops and Courses
Post-docs, fellows, and faculty are invited to register for UCSF’s new 1-year workshop in Clinical Research (offered in-person or online self-paced) by July 1. Short on time? Register for UCSF’s Summer Clinical Research Workshop, a 7-week intro program to clinical research; it includes courses that are the starting point for all clinical research training at UCSF. In addition, registration for five summer courses in clinical research and biostatistics is now open. Apply to summer workshop and courses by July 10
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