Bookmarks

The MARC project - Mapping of research ethics review and trial regulatory capacity in sub-Saharan Africa - has launched an online review platform for Research Ethics Committees: the Research for Health and Innovation Organiser (RHInnO) platform, designed to facilitate an efficent ethical review clearance of clinical research involving human subjects.

The applications can focus on any area of science including bioethics research related to HIV/AIDS.

The OAR and NIH–sponsored Centers for AIDS Research (CFARs), in collaboration with the International AIDS Society (IAS), are sponsoring a special research initiative targeting early-stage and junior level scientists who are not currently involved in AIDS research to consider applying their expertise to some aspect of AIDS-related research. This program will provide funding to non-Federal Government employees for creative and novel AIDS research projects. Projects selected for funding would be provided up to $150,000 (direct costs) plus applicable indirect costs per year for 1-2 years.

The announcement for this initiative is provided below. The Request for applications for this initiative can be accessed on www.cnihr.org <http://www.cnihr.org> . We would appreciate your providing this to your colleagues who are responsible for research and training programs and portfolios outside of AIDS research. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.

HandsOn: Biobanks

Uppsala Konsert & Kongress
20-21 September 2012, Uppsala, Sweden

Biobanking has become hot, and rather quickly. The technology, the claims and the investments are increasing, but what is the value we are chasing? The route from a human biological sample and registry data to real benefit for patients and public health is complex. Many activities make up this route: funding, ethical review, sample and data collection, storage, bioanalysis and bioinformatics. Each is intended to add value, but how do we make sure we see and increase the benefits?

At this interactive conference we invite you to help understand and improve the activities in these value chains and bring more benefit to humanity. We will use Idea Labs, Hands-On Exhibitions, poster presentations and knowledge sharing to present, discuss and develop ideas for getting the best out of biobanking. We invite academy, industry, doctors, patient groups, policy makers, public representatives and legislators to share knowledge and concerns, and to contribute.