Collaborative Human Tissue Network (CHTN) (UM1)

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), issued by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), is to support the Collaborative (currently "Cooperative") Human Tissue Network (CHTN). The goal for CHTN is to collect and distribute high quality human tissue specimens to facilitate basic and early translational cancer research.  The CHTN is designed as a unique biospecimen resource in that it is based on prospective collection and distribution of samples upon specific investigators’ requests. Samples to be collected from patients include pre-cancerous, cancerous,  and benign neoplastic tissues, as well as specimens corresponding to non-neoplastic diseases and uninvolved tissues.

This FOA solicits applications for CHTN awards from institutions/teams capable of contributing to the mission of CHTN by: (1) providing prospective investigator-defined procurement of high-quality malignant, benign, diseased, and uninvolved (normal adjacent) tissues and fluids from patients throughout North America and  elsewhere; (2) assisting individual investigators with regard to specific specimen needs of their research; (3) assisting in developing and disseminating knowledge on high quality practices for successfully operating a biospecimen repository; and (4) educating the community about the importance of the availability of high quality human tissue specimens for medical research. Depending on their profile and capabilities, applicants must indicate whether they propose to function as the CHTN adult biospecimen division or the pediatric specimen division. Nonetheless, it will be acceptable for an adult biospecimen division, if capable, to contribute pediatric samples for networked requests.

This FOA is open to all qualified applicants irrespective of their previous association with the CHTN.

Application Instructions

Please submit a two-page letter of intent with a list of all anticipated investigators, description of proposed aims and approach, Biosketch of the PI, and a letter of support from the Dean or Chair to research@uw.edu by Thursday, March 28, 2013. This letter of support signifies that the Dean or Chair have ensured the nominee’s eligibility per the sponsor’s requirements, and that the nominee and application are likely to be of sufficient quality to be competitive nationally. Full applications are due to the sponsor on 5/31/13, so you will need to have your materials in to the Office of Sponsored Programs by 5/24/13 for processing if given the go ahead by the review committee