​Creating a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary program of research that advances scientific knowledge and will improve clinical outcomes in transplantation

• Integrating the field of transplantation with the latest donor screening technologies, immunogenetics, post-transplant monitoring, and advances in regenerative medicine

• Making unique contributions to biology and medicine by developing new diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms

• Empowering patients with end-stage organ disease and transplant recipients by providing education on proactively managing their health to improve their long-term outcomes

We prioritize projects that could make a significant, immediate impact on advancing transplantation and for which funding is not available from other sources.

​The MNITF Research Grant Program provides funding support for both Immediate Impact and Visionary research.

IMMEDIATE IMPACT

​The focus of Immediate Impact funding is to benefit the transplant community through improved organ donor screening, organ quality assessment, and predictive indicators.

Recent Research Examples

• Multi-target screening technologies

  • Multiplex NAT and serology assays, supplemental assays, antibody avidity assays, and other multiplexing assays

• New and innovative organ quality assessment technologies

  • Pre-transplant molecular gene expression profiles and identification of biomarkers to assess organ quality and predict post-transplant outcomes

• New biomarkers predictive of rejection vs. tolerance, development, and validation of new immune monitoring technologies

  • Genetic expression profiles; miRNAome and exosome profiles; proteome or cellular phenotype/function profiles; and in vivo noninvasive molecular imaging

• Research with the potential to safely expand the pool of eligible donors

​VISIONARY RESEARCH

​The aim of Visionary Research funding is to provide grant opportunities that focus on longer-term goals with significant potential for future impact.

Recent Research Examples

• Genetic engineering and cellular engineering strategies to reduce allograft immunogenicity, enhance histocompatibility, and promote tolerance and long-term graft function and survival

• Translational application of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine relevant to human organ and tissue transplantation

• Education and behavioral modification leading to better adherence and organ retention by transplant recipients.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA