Applying for Specimens

 

Click here to download the application.

Click here to download the application guidelines.

 

PROCESS - Stepwise

 

A. Application Process

Applications are sent directly to the Biospecimen Core Program by
e-mail (jboyles@uky.edu), mail (Markey Cancer Center Biospecimen Core Program, 800 Rose Street, Ben Roach Bldg, Room 140, Lexington KY 40536-0093), or fax (859-323-2074). Investigators are encouraged to submit electronic versions of the application when possible to expedite the review process.

 

The application packet should include the following:

1. The completed application form

2. NIH biosketches of all Principal Investigators

3. One copy of your protocol

 

The Biospecimen Core Program Manager:

• Reviews the application for completeness and requests that the investigator satisfy substantive delinquencies.

• Reviews the proposed budget with administrative director

• Coordinates with the Chair of the Biospecimen Steering Committee Chair and the Scientific Director the assignment of three primary reviewers.

 

B. Review Process

Reviewers:

The Chair of the Steering Committee reviews the application and assigns reviewers (Scientific, Biostatical, Clinical etc.) as appropriate.

These reviewers work with the applicant to satisfy any concerns or questions they may have about the proposal.

The completed reviews and recommendations will be forward to the Chair of the Steering Committee or his designee, who will communicate those results to the applicant. The Biospecimens Core Steering Committee members will be apprised of these developments at the next regularly scheduled meeting. If the applicant disagrees with the decision, he/she may make a brief presentation of the proposal to the entire committee. The Principal Investigator will be excused after his/her presentation and will not be present during any committee discussion or vote.

The primary reviewers will present their reviews and recommendations. After appropriate discussion the Steering Committee will vote.

 

 

C. Decision Process

Decisions to supply or not supply biospecimens are determined by a majority vote of the Biospecimen Core Program Steering Committee. The Committee may either:

• Approve support for the proposal or approve support for the proposal with comments

• Table the decision to support the project pending response from the PI or

• Reject support of the proposal

If a Principal Investigator strongly disagrees with the actions of the Steering Committee, he/she may appeal to the Markey Cancer Center Executive Committee. In this case, the decision to support or not to support the proposed project is made by the Executive Committee and the decision is final.

 

 

D. Notification Process

If support is approved, a letter of agreement is provided to the Principal Investigator that he/she must sign and return to the Biospecimen Core Program Manager before any remaining steps in the process are completed.

 

Copies of all of the paperwork associated with approved projects will be maintained on file by the Biospecimen Core Program Manager.

 

The Biospecimen Core Program Manager must have a copy of the signed letter of agreement, a copy of the steering committee or Executive Committee approval letter and a complete application packet on file (including notification of IRB approval and a current approved and stamped Informed consent document) before specimen(s) are supplied to the investigator.