Introduction – The CFAR Bioinformatics Core
The University of California San Francisco-Bay Area Center for AIDS Research (UCSF-Bay Area CFAR) coordinates a robust program focused on interdisciplinary research in HIV disease. As part of our most recent successfully funded renewal application was the addition of a Bioinformatics sub-core to enhance support for data analysis and integration, pipeline and methods development, and foster a community of learning among HIV/AIDS investigators. Led by Dr. Gabi Fragiadakis and Dr. Sulggi Lee (co-directors), along with senior data scientist Al Latif (Computational Lead), we are putting forth a new model for CFAR Bioinformatics that employs a multi-tiered approach to maximize the core’s impact.
This includes:
- Providing broad support through office hours consultations, learning resources, and community building
- Providing deep support in data analysis, integration, and tool development with a focus on 1-2 high-impact projects per year (This RFA)
How Does this RFA Work?
This RFA is soliciting applications for investigators to work collaboratively with CFAR Bioinformatics on projects that (1) have a compelling bioinformatics/computational need and (2) have an impact in the field of HIV/AIDS. Eligible investigators include faculty at all levels, though priority will be given to early-stage investigators. Awardees must be UCSF or UCSF-affiliated (e.g. Gladstone, Vitalant). Contact core directors should you have questions about eligibility. Selected awardees will be awarded substantial protected time with our computational lead to pursue their projects based on the needs of the project (e.g., 50% effort for 1 year). Request time should be a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 2 years. The anticipated percent effort required can be estimated in collaboration with the CFAR Bioinformatics team in advance of submitting your proposal.
We will be considering two general types of projects: (1) primary analysis or data integration of a dataset and (2) method or pipeline development as it can serve a given analysis goal related to HIV research.
Investigators are encouraged to contact CFAR Bioinformatics by emailing Al Latif (al.abdellatif@ucsf.edu) for an office hours appointment to discuss the suitability of their projects for this RFA, as well as to determine the appropriate time and percent effort required to carry out the project. Please ensure to contact CFAR Bioinformatics no later than 10 days prior to the deadline for a consultation.
Note regarding Data Sharing on the Data Library
CFAR Bioinformatics is interested in sharing project data from collaborations as widely as feasible using the UCSF Data Library. The UCSF Data Library is a web-based platform for hosting, curating, sharing, and analyzing multi-omic data under the scientific leadership of Dr. Gabi Fragiadakis. CFAR Bioinformatics will leverage the Data Library for data storage and curation, as well as sharing amongst investigators. At the end of the project period, we are interested in sharing the data among UCSF HIV/AIDS investigators if data sharing is compatible with the project IRB. Applications will be required to address whether data sharing will be possible for the requested project(s).
Selection and Awards
The primary criteria to evaluate proposals include but are not limited to the following:
- Ability to provide data in a timely manner to CFAR Bioinformatics and to process data using standard analysis pipelines and data integrity processes
- The novelty of the dataset, questions, and analysis approach
- Relevance to the understanding and/or treatment of HIV/AIDS and related conditions
Collaboration Awards will be selected for analysis time periods ranging from 6 months to 2 years with the possibility of no-cost extensions. We anticipate granting 2-3 awards. Awardees will be required to provide progress reports annually as well as at the end of the project.
Key Dates
Application Issued: Monday, April 3rd, 2023
Application Deadline: Friday, May 12th, 2023
Estimated Award Announcement: Friday, June 16th, 2023
Submission Details
Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss applications with CFAR Bioinformatics Leadership:
Al Latif al.abdellatif@ucsf.edu
Gabi Fragiadakis gabriela.fragiadakis@ucsf.edu
Sulggi Lee sulggi.lee@ucsf.edu
Full CFAR Bioinformatics proposals should be submitted to al.abdellatif@ucsf.edu by 5:00 PM on the due date. Please submit the application form as a .docx.
