Northwest Biobank at Kaiser Permanente
Specimen Acquisition Opportunity
NW Biobank at Kaiser Permanente
This is an opportunity for investigators to have their own research priorities guide a specimen-collection effort at Kaiser Permanente Northwest. This is the second specimen-collection opportunity offered by OCTRI and the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research.
Announcement Details
Introduction
The Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research (KPCHR), in partnership with OCTRI, is preparing to extend the capacity of the NW Biobank at Kaiser Permanente. Investigators at OHSU and KPCHR are invited to nominate a plan for specimen acquisition.
- Samples will be collected from the membership of Kaiser Permanente Northwest (KPNW) using methods described in the NW Biobank Resources Overview.
- Up to 10,000 KPNW members will be invited to participate, with an anticipated 3,000-4,000 agreeing to donate a specimen.
- Recruitment is expected to begin in July 2012 and continue through June 2013.
- All acquisition costs would be supported by OCTRI, and investigators would have access to the samples for future grant-supported, IRB-approved research.
- Investigative teams will be responsible for supporting the expense of subsequent specimen retrieval and analysis, as well as the costs associated with retrieving clinical annotations for specimens.
Who benefits?
Grant applications often fail because investigators lack access to the needed biological samples or because the cost of acquiring samples is prohibitive.
- A researcher taking advantage of this opportunity could be in the position to submit a very compelling application, particularly given the extremely robust electronic medical record at Kaiser Permanente Northwest. Learn more about the Kaiser Permanente Data Warehouse.
- Researchers with existing programs of funded research could benefit significantly by augmenting their existing sample resources with a new collection. View the current specimen-collection efforts.
Examples
- Specimen-acquisition efforts could focus on KPNW members with prostate cancer, hypertension, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes, or other prevalent conditions.
- Investigators could propose expanding the NW Biobank at Kaiser Permanente to focus on the recruitment of minorities.
- A researcher in venous thromboembolism presents a plan to recruit and collects samples from KPNW members who meet the criteria of an existing study.
- A researcher with an interest in longevity nominates a plan to recruit and collect samples from KPNW members who are very long-lived.
- View the current specimen-collection efforts.
Process
Step 1 | Meet with Katrina Goddard, PhD
The Director of the NW Biobank at Kaiser Permanente, Katrina Goddard, PhD, will consult with interested investigators during individual sessions at OHSU and KPCHR.
Who should meet with Dr. Goddard?
Researchers who would like to pursue this opportunity and learn more about the potential for the NW Biobank at Kaiser Permanente to contribute to their research.
OHSU Sessions with Dr. Goddard
- Monday, February 6, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon
- Friday, February 24,2012 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
- Monday, March 19, 2012 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
- Contact Stephanie Lyzell to schedule a time.
- Please read the complete announcement before arranging a meeting.
KPCHR Sessions with Dr. Goddard
- Contact Robin Daily to schedule a time.
- Please read the complete announcement before arranging a meeting.
Step 2 | Submit Ideas
Deadline: April 20, 2012
Evaluation Criteria
After consulting with Dr. Goddard, investigators will be invited to formally nominate a direction for specimen acquisition. Ideas for specimen acquisition will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. What is the likelihood that the investment will help the research agenda of the proposing investigator (i.e. lead to new grants and publications)? Include an assessment of the proposed sample size and power and a description of the significance of the research question that can be addressed with the specimen collection as well as specific funding targets and timelines.
2. What is the likelihood that the investment will help the research agenda of other investigators at KPCHR and OHSU?
3. What is the feasibility of the proposed specimen acquisition?
Step 3 | Review
Dr. Goddard will review the nominated directions for specimen acquisition with the OCTRI Executive Director. These proposals for specimen acquisition will be evaluated alongside other proposals for investment in the NW Biobank at Kaiser Permanente. The three strongest proposals will be reviewed by the Director of OCTRI, who will make a final investment decision.
The primary criteria for selection will be the likelihood the investment will lead to successful grant funding and contribute to a sustained research program. To what extent projects may benefit multiple investigators or accelerate career development are factors that will also be considered. Investigators will be notified of the decision June 1, 2012.
Acquisition of Specimens
If a specimen-acquisition project is selected, the investigator who nominated the project will serve as a Consulting Investigator during the acquisition period. Dr. Goddard will lead the project and manage its budget.
