This is a brief overview of services provided by the ICTS Precision Health function. Many links are provided below to help you navigate through our website with ease. If you need more information or assistance contact our program scientist Jenny McKenzie (j.mckenzie@wustl.edu).
Funding
ICTS Precision Health Innovation Awards
We support $25,000 pilot awards for developmental or early stage work which will allow investigators to apply for future extramural funding. See our Innovation Awards page for more details.
Application instructions (PDF)
ICTS Just-in-time (JIT) program
The JIT core usage funding program is designed to provide quick access to funding for any JIT Cores.
Grant Support – Research Development Program
The Research Development Program provides a number of free resources to ICTS members. Precision Health supports a research forum team which can tailor your project or grant review with subject-matter and generalist reviewers. Research forums are often conducted in conjunction with Scientific Editing service members to maximize the benefit to your grant application.
- Research Navigation (ICTS cores, educational options and funding) Contact
- Research Forum Program (project or grant feedback with a curated team) Apply here
- Scientific Editing Services (strengthen and clarify grants) Apply here
- NIH mock study section (R, K and F series grant reviews in spring and fall) Apply here
- WUSTL Grants Library (resource for grant writing) Direct link to WUSTL Box Grants Library
Working with Human Genomes?
Institutional Genomic Consent
When developing your research study you may be considering genomic results. Precision Health assisted in creating a standardized, common consent to create a shared, institutional genomic database linked with the research medical record. This is called ‘One Protocol One Consent (OPOC)’. Additionally, the Electronic BioBank (BJC-WEBB) is a partnership between BJC, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine. BJC-WEBB collects both data and biological samples for patients at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and/or Washington University School of Medicine. View our genomic consent webpage for more details.
Return of Results Service
Genetic return of results is a process where individuals who have undergone genetic testing receive their test results and associated information from a healthcare provider or genetic counselor. ICTS Precision Health function is trying to make this process more accessible for researchers. Our service aims to provide researchers with the connections and tools to make return of results a reality for their study participants. Genetic return of results services can help individuals identify potential health risks early on and make informed decisions about their health. More information on return of results is available on the return of genomic results webpage.
Guidance for return of results
Access to Genomic Databases
Access to genomic databases is a critical tool for researchers looking to advance our understanding of genetics and improve healthcare outcomes. A substantial amount of data has been collected and is available for research purposes. ICTS Precision Health offers several database suggestions and help with access. Check out our Genomic Databases page for information on WU One Protocol One Consent, UK Biobank, dbGaP and the Greater Plains Collaborative.
Upload Assistance for Human Genomic Data to a Shared Data Repository
Precision Health has started a new genomic data sharing service designed to simplify the process of sharing genomic data with repositories such as dbGaP. Our free service helps investigators can guide investigators and their teams through any steps of the process, while ensuring that their data remains secure and confidential. Sharing genomic data is a requirement of many NIH funded grants. Placing your data into a shared repository allows investigators to easily manage who can access their data and under what conditions.
Here’s how our Data Sharing Assistance service works:
- User Registration: Investigators can submit a REDCap request sharing their email address and other relevant information.
- Once registered, investigators will meet with Precision Health (PH) program scientist Jenny McKenzie and McDonnell Genome Institute (MGI) staff John Garza to discuss your project needs.
- Investigators will be responsible for study registration but will have the support of the PH/MGI team to make the process as efficient as possible.
- The MGI team will assist the investigator in data organization, submission & sharing. This is a collaborative effort between the MGI team and the investigator team. The MGI team will guide investigators through the process, providing detailed instructions and assistance as needed.
Overall, our data sharing assistance service aims to streamline the process of sharing genomic data with repositories such as dbGaP and make it more accessible to researchers. With our PH/MGI team, you can simplify the process of sharing human genomic data.
Connections and Outreach
Consulting service to match clinicians and research investigators
The ICTS Precision Health function knows that it can be challenging for researchers to navigate the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of precision health, which spans many different research and medicine disciplines. In recognition of this challenge, we created a consultation service. We offer expert guidance and support to researchers looking to find new research connections. Our team of experienced faculty will work closely with you to ensure that you find team members to advance your research and improve patient outcomes.
Precision Health for the Ages community workshops
The ICTS Precision Health function plans to engage the community to increase awareness of precision health. The term precision health is not well known in the community. Establishing a definition of precision health can facilitate health equity and be a valuable community service. We believe that educating community members through a series of workshops will strengthen community connections both inside and outside of academics. In the year 2023 we plan to host a series of four workshops (virtual, hybrid and in-person) covering 1) the etiology of precision health, 2) secondary genetic findings 3) engaging community and patient advisory boards and 4) an overview of research registries. More information is coming soon.
ICTS Precision Health Slack Workspace
Join our slack workspace to connect with others doing genomic research. This shared space offers a valuable community for investigators and lab members to troubleshoot problems, make connections across labs and learn about ICTS affiliated events. Email Jenny (j.mckenzie@wustl.edu) to get an invite. A .edu email address from one of the six ICTS partner institutions is required (Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis University, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Health Science & Pharmacy, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Barnes Jewish Hospital or BJC healthcare).
Educational Opportunities
Check out our Education page to see some of the opportunities available to ICTS members.