CNICS has evolved to become a fully mature platform that can support translational, clinical, and behavioral research projects from any investigator who desires to use the platform as part of their funded research projects or as part of a pilot project to gain further research support.  We believe that the active recruitment of investigators to use the CNICS platform for basic, translational, clinical, and socio-behavioral research, and the fact that investigators inside and outside of CNICS can submit proposals for extramural funding (R21s, R01s, Program Projects, or in response to RFAs and RFPs), establishes CNICS as a flexible resource that can support cutting-edge HIV science over the next decade and beyond.

Concept Study Submission Requirements:

• Requesting and receiving data/specimens from the CNICS repository is initiated by submission of a Concept Proposal Application. The application contains instructions for electronic submission. Applications are accepted year around.
  
• Every concept proposal requires inclusion of a CNICS investigator from one of the CNICS sites to facilitate the process, help to avoid overlap with existing proposals and to determine the feasibility of study ideas prior to submitting an application.
• Details of the review process for applications are outlined in the Concept Proposal SOP. The review process includes written reviews from two thought leaders in the field and a conference call discussion between the project team and the RCC (Research Coordinating) committee to discuss the written reviews. Review by the CNICS Epidemiology and Biostatistics team will also be conducted.  A letter describing the comments from reviewers and a priority score will be provided to the investigator once the proposal has completed the review process.
• Contact us regarding questions about the application process, including requests to identify a CNICS collaborator or assistance with developing an idea.
• Review the complete list of Ongoing Projects to avoid the submission of overlapping studies.

Approved Projects:

Approved projects require further documentation before samples/data are transferred to investigators. 

• For all data, specimen and PRO requests, a Data Request form is required from the study team. Submission of this form will help to determine feasibility.There are no costs associated with the transfer of the data.
  • • • Submission of the completed Data request form will initiate a Site Participation survey for each approved study.  The Site Participation survey is necessary to determine which sites will participate in a given study and to provide a unique contact person for each study.
• **Please note that investigators are required to pay for costs associated with processing and shipment of specimens.  

• Local IRB review and approval must be provided to the CNICS Administrative Director before any transfers are initiated. Available data/specimens will be transferred to investigators upon receipt of approvals and arrangement for payment of costs associated with processing and shipment of specimens

After Specimen/Data Transfer:

• A CNICS progress report form should be provided to the Research Coordinating Committee (RCC) at yearly intervals upon request from the Administrative Director.

• Any findings to be published (manuscripts, abstracts) as a result of a CNICS-approved Concept Proposals must be reviewed by the RCC prior to submission. Contact us to have findings reviewed prior to publication.