|
Congratulations to Our 2026 School of Medicine Annual Research Awardees
|
The UC Irvine School of Medicine Office of Research is delighted to announce the winners and honorable mentions of our sixth annual research awards to recognize research excellence and outstanding academic achievement in the School of Medicine. A sincere thank you to everyone who took the time to prepare nominations for their trainees and colleagues. Please visit our website to see the complete list of our 2026 Annual Research Awardees.
|
|
|
2026 Core Facilities Survey
NEW
|
|
UC Irvine School of Medicine and the UC Irvine Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center are partnering on a survey regarding core research facilities in the School of Medicine. Your answers are helpful and important; all responses will be factored in to optimize our research support structure. After answering a few basic questions, you will only be asked questions pertaining to the facilities and services used by you and the researchers under your supervision. This survey is anonymous. For questions, contact Alondra Garcia. Please complete the survey by May 29, 2026.
|
|
|
NIH 2026 Pilot Data Management and Sharing Plan Format Available (Effective May 25, 2026)
NEW
|
NIH has issued a new 2026 Pilot DMS Plan format based on a simplified set of required elements to use when preparing Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plans. The revised elements, many of which are straightforward yes or no questions rather than narratives, limit the information included in the DMS Plans, increase efficiency, and minimize applicant burden. Applicants and recipients are required to use the new format for applications with due dates on or after May 25, 2026. Both the new format and the 2023 format will be accepted for due dates before May 25.
|
|
|
From Vigorous Kids to Rigorous Data: The Wild Ride of a Pediatric Lung Doctor | Physician Scientist Collective 2025-26 Distinguished Speaker Series
THIS WEEK
|
The talk will encompass how the search for optimal health effects of exercise in children and adolescents led to a career in translational science, clinical care and research, and unexpected discoveries … and a publication emanating from the "Harbor-UCLA Department of Pediatrics and the Division of Planetary Geochemistry of Caltech."
Speaker: Dan M. Cooper, MD, Distinguished Professor, Department of Pediatrics; Associate Director, Institute for Clinical & Translational Science (ICTS), UC Irvine School of Medicine
Wednesday, May 6, Noon to 1 p.m.
Via Zoom
|
|
|
Research Security Training Requirement for Federal Researchers (Effective May 25, 2026)
REMINDER
|
Beginning May 25, 2026, all personnel listed on federally sponsored proposals — including federal flow-through proposals — must complete Research Security training. The training must be completed within 12 months of proposal submission.
The Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation implemented the research security training requirement, and other federal agencies are in the process of developing their research security training policies. If you have completed the Research Security training within the past 12 months, you do not need to retake it until it expires. If you have not yet completed the training, we recommend doing so now to avoid potential delays in proposal submission or award processing.
Questions? Email or-rsie@uci.edu. For more information, visit Research Security Program.
|
|
|
Announcement of Upcoming System Enforcement of Common Forms and End of NIH’s Leniency Period
|
NIH has announced that its leniency period for the required use of Common Forms (Biographical Sketch, Current and Pending (Other) Support, and NIH Biographical Sketch Supplement) will end on May 7, 2026. Beginning May 8, 2026, system warnings will escalate to hard errors, blocking any application submission that does not use compliant Common Forms — affecting all application due dates as well as JIT, RPPR, and Prior Approval submissions. Researchers should ensure their ORCID iD is linked to both their SciENcv and eRA Commons accounts.
Researchers need to regenerate their Common Form PDFs if they were certified before April 22, 2026, and have not yet submitted for a due date on or after May 25, 2026. Read the notice.
|
|
|
Highlighting UC Irvine’s Shared Core Facilities for Researchers — Behavior Neuroscience Testing Core and Biobehavioral Shared Resource
NEXT WEEK
|
Join this webinar to learn about these two shared core facilities: The Behavior Neuroscience Testing Core and the Biobehavioral Shared Resource.
The UC Irvine Behavioral Testing Core (BTC) enables researchers to conduct high-quality preclinical research in neuroscience, psychology, pharmacology and related fields. Presenter: Shahrdad Lotfipour, PhD, Director, Behavioral Testing Core (BTC)
The Biobehavioral Shared Resource (BBSR) is a dedicated support unit within the UC Irvine Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center that provides consultation, methodological expertise, and hands-on assistance for behavioral and patient-reported outcomes research in cancer studies. There will also be an overview of the resources provided by the UC Irvine Center for Biomarker & Biobehavioral Research. Presenter: Michael Hoyt, PhD, Director, BBSR and the UC Irvine Center for Biomarker & Biobehavioral Research
Monday, May 11, Noon to 1 p.m.
Via Zoom
|
|
|
School of Medicine Dean's Research Council Meeting
NEXT WEEK
|
School of Medicine Dean Michael J. Stamos, MD, and Associate Dean for Research Administration William E. Bunney, MD, invite you to attend this quarterly meeting featuring two distinguished research presentations:
Advancing Precision Genome Editors for the Next Era of Medicine, by Audrone Lapinaite, PhD, Assistant Professor, Departments of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Biological Chemistry, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Brunson Center for Translational Vision Research, UC Irvine School of Medicine
Repurposing FDA-approved, BDNF-enhancing Riluzole to Alleviate Cancer-related Cognitive Dysfunction, by Munjal M. Acharya, MSc, PhD, Associate Professor, Departments of Anatomy & Neurobiology and Radiation Oncology, Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UC Irvine School of Medicine
Tuesday, May 12, 5 to 6 p.m. PT
Via Zoom
Meeting ID: 968 2620 4626 | Passcode: 109533
|
|
|
Highlighting UC Irvine’s Shared Core Facilities for Researchers — Biostatistics Shared Resource and UC Irvine Center for Statistical Consulting
|
Join this webinar to learn about these two shared core facilities: The Biostatistics Shared Resource and the UC Irvine Center for Statistical Consulting.
The Biostatistics Shared Resource (BSR) at the UC Irvine Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center provides expert statistical support for cancer research across basic, translational and clinical studies. It ensures studies are rigorously designed, analyzed, interpreted and reported to high scientific standards. Speaker: Min Zhang, MD, PhD, Director of Biostatistics Shared Resource, UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
The UC Irvine Center for Statistical Consulting provides comprehensive statistical support and collaboration to researchers and the broader community. It assists with study design, data analysis, interpretation and effective communication of results. Its mission is to advance high-quality, data-driven research across disciplines. Speaker: Joni Ricks-Oddie, MPH, PhD, Director of the UCI Center for Statistical Consulting
Wednesday, May 20, Noon to 1 p.m.
Via Zoom
|
|
|
Sponsored Projects: Award Lifecycle, Effort Commitment, Clinical Trials, and the Evolving Federal Funding Landscape | Physician Scientist Collective 2025-26 Distinguished Speaker Series
|
Representatives from UC Irvine's Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) office, led by Senior Director Jeff Warner, will present on committing effort to research projects, including requirements for specific funding opportunities. The session will also cover the full lifecycle of an extramurally sponsored award at UC Irvine, recent developments in the federal research funding landscape and their potential impact on the award lifecycle, and an overview of UC Irvine's extramural funding portfolio. A portion of the presentation will provide an overview of clinical research and trials at UC Irvine, highlighting the role of Sponsored Projects in supporting Principal Investigators conducting these activities.
Speakers: Jeff Warner, Senior Director; Tam Tran, Director, Clinical Research; Shabana Durrani, Principal Contract Lead – Clinical Trials; and Garrett Larsen, Principal Contract Lead – Clinical Trials
Friday, May 29, Noon to 1 p.m. PT
Via Zoom
|
|
|
NIH Fellowship Workshop
|
The School of Medicine Research Development Unit is hosting a virtual workshop designed for trainees interested in applying for NIH fellowship funding opportunities, specifically the Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Individual Predoctoral (F30, F31) and Postdoctoral Fellowship (F32) awards. This session will highlight best practices for developing a competitive application, provide an overview of the application components, and offer an overview of application resources and support available through the School of Medicine. This workshop is ideal for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars considering NIH fellowship opportunities.
Tuesday, June 2, Noon to 1 p.m. PT
Via Zoom
|
|
|
Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series
|
Robert C. Green, MD, MPH, Professor, Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Director, Genomes2People Research Program, Harvard Medical School
- Community Lecture - June 2, 7 to 8 p.m.: "Finally! Genomics is Delivering Massive Health and Longevity Benefits”
- Scientific Lecture - June 3, Noon to 1 p.m.: "Empirical Findings on the Path to Genomic Medicine in Newborns and Adults"
Learn more about the Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series.
June 2–3
Location: The Beckman Center, Irvine, Calif. (June 2); UCI Medical Center, Building 54, Podlich Family Conference Center, Orange, Calif. (June 3)
|
|
|
|
| | Postdocs & Early Career Faculty Funding Opportunities | |
|
MAXIMUS T32 Training Program
Deadline: May 29, 2026
|
|
|
|
| | All Faculty Funding Opportunities | |
|
ARPA-H Funding OpportunitiesSystematic Targeting Of MicroPlastics (STOMP) seeks proposals in two main technical areas: microplastics measurements and understanding of biological mechanisms. Solution Summary Deadline: May 6, 2026
|
|
|
Limited: W.M. Keck Foundation Research Program Grants
|
In reviewing proposals, the W.M. Keck Foundation program officers first ask, “What’s the new science?” Concept papers should provide a compelling argument that new knowledge discovery will result from the proposed project. The project should focus on answering a specific question and not be an open-ended investigation. Research may be in any STEM field.
Keck does not want projects that reflect the “next logical step” in your research; rather, they encourage out-of-the-box thinking. The foundation focuses on basic research enabling pioneering discoveries. They believe new technologies and methodologies are often required to ask hard questions or revisit old paradigms, but the technology cannot be the end goal – investigating a problem with the technology you develop should be the goal. For this reason, most grants involve collaborators from other labs and other fields.
Budget requests may be for up to $1.3 million and may be expended over 3 years. Interested applicants are asked to submit a preliminary concept paper to the VCR’s office via UCI Review.
Deadline: May 18, 2026
|
|
| Upcoming Seminars & Events |
|
Department of Biological Chemistry Research in Progress Seminars
|
| 
Miranda Emiko Kelly
Graduate Student
| 
Miranda Louise Lopez
Graduate Student | 
Ian Tamburini
Graduate Student | 
Lucas Wadley
Graduate Student | |
|
Deciphering the Efficacy of a Lifespan Inulin-Supplemented Diet on the Metabolic Pathophysiology of Aging, by
Miranda Louise Lopez, Graduate Student, Cholsoon Jang, PhD, Lab, and Dequina Nicholas, PhD, Lab, Department of Biological Chemistry
Circulating Bile Acids Drive Endothelial Innate Immune Activation and Atherosclerosis, by Ian Tamburini, Graduate Student, Cholsoon Jang, PhD, Lab, and Marcus Seldin, PhD, Lab, Department of Biological Chemistry
Non-Canonical JAK2V617F Signaling Rewires Interferon Pathway Output Through Differential STAT1 Complex Engagement, by Lucas Wadley, Graduate Student, Angela Fleischman, MD, PhD, Lab, Department of Biological Chemistry
Wednesday, May 6, 11 a.m. to Noon
Location: Plumwood House / Showa Denko Lecture Hall
|
|
|
UC Irvine Cancer Research Institute Research in Progress Seminar
|
Cancer Subclonal Switchboards: From Reactive to Proactive Therapy, by Shengwen Calvin Li, PhD, MPhil, Associate Project Scientist, Department of Neurology, UC Irvine School of Medicine; Principal Investigator, Children's Hospital of Orange County Neuro-Oncology and Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Rady Children’s Health Orange County
Wednesday, May 6, Noon to 1 p.m.
Via Zoom
|
|
|
Department of Physiology & Biophysics Research in Progress Seminar
|
|  Yiwei Gong
Graduate Student
|  Mariam Mohagheghi
Graduate Student
| |
|
Pancreatic Cancer-Driven Immune Remodeling in Human Organoid Models, by Mariam Mohagheghi, Graduate Student, Lisa Wagar, PhD, Lab, Department of Physiology & Biophysics, UC Irvine School of Medicine
Wednesday, May 6, 4 to 5 p.m.
Location: Plumwood House / Showa Denko Lecture Hall
|
|
|
Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics Seminar
|
|  Bert Semler, PhD
|  Ming Tan, MD
| |
|
Pathogens and You: Measles, by Bert Semler, PhD, Distinguished Professor, Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, UC Irvine School of Medicine, and Ming Tan, MD, Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, and Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, UC Irvine School of Medicine
Thursday, May 7, 9 a.m.
Location: Hybrid event at Plumwood House, Room 166, and Via Zoom
Contact Katrina Pagadayunan to join via Zoom.
|
|
|
NIH K Award Mock Study Section
|
Looking to demystify NIH K Award Study Sections? Sign up for our K Award Mock Study Section today! Join the UC Irvine Institute for Clinical & Translational Science (ICTS) for an interactive NIH Mock Study Section for K Awards to provide hands-on experiential learning to K-level awardees looking to submit an NIH K award. Learn more.
Friday, May 8, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building, 6th Floor Conference Room, Room CR 6110
|
|
|
Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics Seminar
|
Controlling Viral Infection at the Ribosome: From Mechanism to Clinical Opportunity, by Ranen Aviner, PhD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, UC San Francisco
Monday, May 11, 11 a.m.
Location: Hybrid event at Tamkin F-114, and Via Zoom
|
|
|
Experimental Pathology Research Conferences
|
The Adolescent Mesolimbic System: Exploring Vulnerability due to Genetics and Resilience due to Exercise Following Nicotine Exposure, by Roshae Roberts, Graduate Student, Shahrdad Lotfipour, PhD, Lab, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UC Irvine School of Medicine
Monday, May 11, 11 a.m. to Noon PT
Location: Hybrid event at Plumwood House / Showa Denko Lecture Hall, and Via Zoom
Meeting ID: 955 3602 9351 | Passcode: 998046
|
|
|
Seminar & Chalk Talk by Faculty Candidate for Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics
|
Faculty Candidate: Laurens van de Wiel, PhD, Dutch Research Council Rubicon Fellow, Postdoctoral Scholar, Stanford University
Seminar: Interpreting Genomic Variation Using Protein Structures and Evolutionary Information
Monday, May 11, 3 p.m.
Location: Plumwood House / Showa Denko Lecture Hall
Chalk Talk: Interpreting Genomic Variation Using Protein Structures and Evolutionary Information
Tuesday, May 12, 3 p.m.
Location: Sprague Hall, Room 105
Hosted by the UC Irvine Institute for Clinical & Translational Science.
|
|
|
Rady Children's Health and UC Irvine Distinguished Lecture Series
|
Informatics and Pediatric Research, by Juan Espinoza, MD, Associate Professor, Pediatrics (Hospital-Based Medicine), Preventive Medicine (Biostatistics and Informatics), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Wednesday, May 13, Noon to 1 p.m. PT
Via Zoom
|
|
|
Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics Seminar
|
Bacterial Mimicry of Viruses: How Chlamydia Incs employSliMs to Reprogram the Host, by Joanne Engel, MD, PhD, Professor, Departments of Medicine and Microbiology & Immunology, UC San Francisco
Wednesday, May 13, 4 p.m.
Location: Hybrid event at Tamkin F-114, and Via Zoom
Contact Katrina Pagadayunan to join via Zoom.
|
|
|
Physiology & Biophysics Seminar Series
|
Multiscale Simulations of HIV-1 Maturation, by Alvin Yu, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology & Biophysics, UC Irvine School of Medicine Wednesday, May 13, 4 to 5 p.m. PT
Location: Hybrid event at Plumwood House / Showa Denko Lecture Hall and Via Zoom
Contact Claire Chen to join via Zoom.
|
|
|
Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics Seminar
|
Improving the ‘Kick’ in HIV ‘Kick and Kill’ Cure Approaches, by Tessa Chou, Graduate Student, Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, UC Irvine School of Medicine
Thursday, May 14, 9 a.m.
Location: Hybrid event at Plumwood House, Room 166, and Via Zoom
Contact Katrina Pagadayunan to join via Zoom.
|
|
|
Seminar & Chalk Talk by Faculty Candidate for Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics
|
Faculty Candidate: Adelaide Tovar, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, Gilbert S. Omenn Department of Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics, University of Michigan
Seminar: Deciphering Context-Specific Regulatory Variation in Diabetes
Thursday, May 14, 11 a.m.
Location: Plumwood House / Showa Denko Lecture Hall
Chalk Talk: Mapping Regulatory Convergence Between Monogenic and Complex Disease
Friday, May 15, 2 p.m.
Location: Plumwood House / Showa Denko Lecture Hall
Hosted by the UC Irvine Institute for Clinical & Translational Science.
|
|
|
Life Science Vendor Fair
|
Join Scientist Solutions at the UC Irvine School of Medicine for a life science vendor show. Guarantee your lunch order by registering today!
Thursday, May 14, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Grassy area between Hewitt and Gross Hall
|
|
|
Experimental Pathology Research Conferences
|
Key Drivers of Amyloid Beta Accumulation and Clearance in Individuals with Down Syndrome, by Jillian Berry, Graduate Student, Elizabeth Head, PhD, Lab, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UC Irvine School of Medicine
Monday, May 18, 11 a.m. to Noon PT
Location: Hybrid event at Plumwood House / Showa Denko Lecture Hall, and Via Zoom
Meeting ID: 955 3602 9351 | Passcode: 998046
|
|
|
Noel Drury, M.D. Institute for Translational Depression Discoveries Monthly Seminar Series
|
Investigating the Moderators of the Stress Response: From Molecular Discovery To Translational Impact, by Elisabeth Binder, MD, PhD, Director, Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry. Hosted by the UC Irvine Noel Drury, M.D. Institute for Translational Depression Discoveries.
Wednesday, May 20, 10 to 11 a.m. PT
Location: Hybrid event at Thorp Conference Center (4001, Gross Hall), and Via Zoom
|
|
|
Stata: Introduction to Psychometrics
|
This free noontime workshop (75 minutes) provides an overview of Stata's extensive features for traditional and modern psychometrics. Topics include reliability, Cohen's kappa statistic, canonical correlation, Cronbach's alpha, exploratory factor and confirmatory factor analysis, factor rotations, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), contrasts and pairwise comparisons, structural equation modeling (SEM), item response theory (IRT), and latent class analysis (LCA). Instructor: Chuck Huber, PhD
Wednesday, May 20, Noon to 1:15 p.m. PT
Via Zoom
|
|
|
Adeline Yen Mah Vaccine Center Seminar Series
|
Towards Development of Alzheimer’s Vaccines: The Alzheimer’s Vaccine Initiative, by Wayne Koff, PhD, Managing Partner, Next Frontier Advisors (NFA)
Thursday, May 21, 8:45 to 9:45 a.m.
Location: Hybrid event at the Sue Gross Auditorium, 856 Health Sciences Rd., Irvine, CA 92697, and Via Zoom
Contact Rie Nakajima to join via Zoom.
|
|
|
Adeline Yen Mah Vaccine Center Seminar Series
|
Next-Generation RNA Vaccines & Therapies, by Anna Blakney, PhD, Assistant Professor, Tier 2 Canada Research Chair, Michael Smith Laboratories, School of Biomedical Engineering at the University of British Columbia
Friday, May 22, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Location: Hybrid event at the Sue Gross Auditorium, 856 Health Sciences Rd., Irvine, CA 92697, and Via Zoom
Contact Rie Nakajima to join via Zoom.
|
|
|
UCI SKIN: A Skin Biology Resource Center Distinguished Speaker Series
|
When Skin Fails to Heal: Molecular Control of Human Skin Repair, by Marjana Tomic-Canic, PhD, Professor, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami. Hosted by the UCI Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center.
Friday, May 22, 11 a.m. to Noon
Location: Hybrid event at Thorp Conference Center, 4001 Gross Hall, and Via Zoom
|
|
|
Stata: Introduction to Survey Statistics
|
This free noontime workshop (75 minutes) will review the concepts of probability and nonprobability sampling, sampling with and without replacement, and introduce the finite population correction factor. We introduce the major sampling designs, how to calculate sample weights, and how to use Stata's "svyset" command to prepare data for analyses that account for the sampling design. We will then demonstrate how to analyze data with these characteristics. Instructor: Chuck Huber, PhD
Wednesday, June 3, Noon to 1:15 p.m. PT
Via Zoom
|
|
|
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) - BTO Innovation Opportunity Fair
|
This event for is for prospective proposers. The BTO Innovation Opportunity Fair’s aim is to familiarize participants with BTO’s mission and interest areas, facilitate discussions with potential proposers, increase efficiency of proposal preparation and evaluation, and foster new performer networking opportunities. The registration deadline is May 28 at 2 p.m. PT. Space is limited.
Friday, June 5, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. PT
Location: In-person at Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center, 7901 Tysons One Place, Tysons, VA 22102, and a virtual option via ZoomGov
|
|
|
Postdoctoral Fellow - Neurological Clinical Informatics and Data Science Lab
|
The Neurological Clinical Informatics and Data Science Lab led by Ali Ezzati, MD, is recruiting for a postdoctoral fellow to work on clinical research in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The position involves large-scale data analysis, digital health, and translational research. Candidates with strong quantitative and clinical research backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Please reach out if interested or share with potential candidates.
Closing Date: May 31, 2026
|
|
|
|
Do you have an open research-related position you would also like announced in Research Insider? Please fill out this form to have your open position listed.
|
|
|
Embedding Replication and Reproducibility Throughout NIH Research: Key Reminders for Applications, Awards and a New Highlighted Topic
NIH Resources
|
NIH has launched a new Replication and Reproducibility Initiative to drive, incentivize and institutionalize replication and reproducibility efforts across the biomedical research enterprise. NIH shares reminders of these expectations alongside a newly posted Highlighted Topic that supports continued progress in this area. Read more.
|
|
|
My Application Was Scored as “Competitive But Not Discussed” During Review. What Does This Mean?
|
Last November, NIH implemented emergency modifications to review processes following resumption of activities after the lapse in appropriations. Recognizing that strong applications may fall below a 33% cut off, the middle third of applications in a study section were designated as “competitive but not discussed.” Read more.
|
|
|
What kind of grant support does the School of Medicine Research Development Unit provide?
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE RDU
|
|
|
|
|
What kind of grant support does the RDU provide to Physician Scientists?
|
Along with the general grant support the RDU provides (outlined above), there are multiple programs available outlined on the Physician Scientist Resources page. - Physician Scientist Collective: Monthly seminar series with visiting speakers
- Physician Scientist Pathways Certificate Course: Six-week, 12-hour hybrid course that introduces clinicians to research pathways
- Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP): Helps physician scientists apply for their first K award
- Dean’s K Scholar: Provides awardees the protected time and mentorship needed to obtain NIH K/ equivalent funding
- Clinical Trialist Training Program (CTTP): Supports junior faculty on externally funded clinical trials through a 2-year partnership program with senior investigators already running clinical trials
|
|
| Contribute to Research Insider!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
