Dear Colleague,
In this summer issue of our newsletter, we cover CIAPM’s first-ever Request for Information for the Depression Research Program (due Aug. 18), bid a heartfelt farewell to Co-Director Dr. Shannon Muir, welcome new staff, and report on the California Legislature’s hearing on biotechnology, among other updates.
For this month’s Principal Investigator Spotlight, we feature an interview with Stanford University’s Dr. Tina Sindher, the driving force behind the groundbreaking Systems-based, Multidisciplinary Assessment of Adversity and Toxic Stress for Individualized Care (SYSTEMAATIC) Project for Adverse Childhood Experiences.
We also present unique opportunities to join us in engaging with historic federal projects from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the new Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).
We thank you for being part of our network,
The CIAPM Team
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Farewell and Gratitude to Co-Director Dr. Shannon Muir |
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In April, the CIAPM team celebrated the tenure of Co-Director Dr. Shannon Muir as she concluded her time at the helm of CIAPM, the nation’s first state-funded precision medicine research program. Over four years, she applied her multi-faceted expertise in cancer biology, mental health, process optimization, health policy, and research administration to uplift the program to its current state.
Dr. Muir led the establishment and staffing of the California Precision Medicine Advisory Council, engaging eleven world-class, cross-sector experts in guiding the program. Additionally, her oversight of and partnership with State-funded precision medicine cancer disparities project teams saw the development of many new research collaborations and advanced the science of community engagement and cancer care, particularly for Latine communities. Beyond CIAPM, she supported the Governor’s COVID-19 Testing Task Force and contributed to the writing of the first-ever California Surgeon General’s Report.
Dr. Muir has always been quick to advocate for stronger support for the most vulnerable populations. Her colleagues know her for centering equity in her approach to making change, and she has inspired countless conference audiences, staff, grantees, and members of the CIAPM Network with a mindful and refreshing lens. Her passion for research and commitment to improving public health have been evident throughout her time at the program. She is a gifted leader and mentor, and we are grateful for her dedication. Dr. Muir’s legacy will continue to be felt at the program for many years to come, and we are proud to have worked alongside her. We wish her all the best in her new role as the Chief of Staff of the Latino Cancer Institute.
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Building a Nationwide Health Innovation Network
to Support BARDA and ARPA-H
Since late March, CIAPM has been co-leading the development of a nationwide health innovation network in support of two federal agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the new Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). The network, titled Health BRIIDGE (Bringing Research, Innovation and Investment to Drive Growth and Equity), currently includes over 180 organizations across all fifty states plus Puerto Rico, totaling 700 locations. Members comprehensively represent the innovation pipeline, spanning from early-stage research and commercialization to regulatory processes and biomanufacturing infrastructure development. Connect with us at ciapm@opr.ca.gov to learn more.
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Depression Research Program
Request for Information
On July 19, the CIAPM team made a Request for Information (RFI) on community needs for mental health, focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of depression. A recorded informational webinar was hosted on July 27 and may be viewed online. Your feedback can contribute to the development and refinement of the upcoming $9 million Depression Research Program. We encourage you to submit a response to the RFI using this form by August 18.
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Statewide Listening Sessions
In collaboration with the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, with contributions from the Office of the California Surgeon General and numerous county health departments and community-based organizations, the CIAPM team hosted five listening sessions throughout the state this summer. The aim was to gather personal accounts about community needs related to depression and mental health. These sessions may also aid in developing the scope of the forthcoming Depression Research Program. The host communities primarily included youth and young adults in the Central Valley, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Orange County, Latine neighborhoods in Riverside and the Salinas Valley, and Native American tribal members in Humboldt County.
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Image Credit: Brian Bishop |
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Upcoming Request for Proposals
In late September, CIAPM plans to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for precision medicine research on the prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of depression. For more information, please refer to the Notice of Funding Intent, which offers additional details about the $9 million state investment intended for 3-5 projects. These projects will range from $1.8-3 million each, covering a span of three years.
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Legislative Hearing on Biotechnology Featured CIAPM
On June 20, the California Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology, which Assembly Member Christopher Ward chairs, conducted an Informational Hearing on the current state and future of the biotechnology industry, with support from California Life Sciences.
One of five experts who provided testimonials, CIAPM's Dr. Julianne McCall introduced precision medicine and summarized the State’s investment in advancing research, involving nontraditional participants in health innovation, partnering with federal agencies, and leading national initiatives to enhance collaboration across research ecosystems.
Among other experts from City of Hope, PhRMA, and Genentech, Dr. Greg Theyel, Director of the Biomedical Manufacturing Network, used his time at the dais to present an overview of the life sciences sector in California. He highlighted the eight sectors of biomanufacturing, ranging from biotechnology to digital healthcare, and discussed California’s "Microclimates of Innovation" and future opportunities to enhance the state’s leadership.
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Principal Investigator Spotlight |
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An Interview with Dr. Tina Sindher |
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Dr. Tina Sindher serves Stanford University as Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn and completed her Pediatric residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in Bronx, New York. In 2017, she began expanding her clinical research in food allergies at the Stanford University Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research. |
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Project: Systems-based, Multidisciplinary Assessment of Adversity and Toxic Stress for Individualized Care (The SYSTEMAATIC Project)
How does your project address the health impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and advance equity?
The goal of the SYSTEMAATIC project is to develop a multidisciplinary assessment strategy that clinicians can use in clinical practice to diagnose toxic stress, guide integrated precision medicine treatment recommendations, and ultimately assess treatment efficacy. Having a toxic stress assessment tool that provides physiologic, systems-based, individualized, and clinically relevant information will open the door to identifying individual biological needs and tailored therapeutic interventions.
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Farewell to Policy Fellow Bridgette Smith |
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After 10 months with CIAPM, Bridgette Smith concluded her Policy Fellowship in April. She actively participated as an essential team member, contributing to numerous projects, including taking a leadership role in curating case studies and strategies for engaging underrepresented communities in clinical and biomedical research for a forthcoming online public resource. |
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Bridgette accomplished all that while also pursuing a doctorate in Epidemiology at UC Davis. Her research aims to increase health equity through exploring the distribution of health outcomes in relation to the social and built environment to inform institutional policy. She earned her master’s degree in Public Health from UC Davis and her bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from UC Merced. Ultimately, Bridgette is dedicated to community-engagement efforts, and hopes that through her work she amplifies the voices of historically vulnerable communities and ensures that research is equitable and representative. |
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David Reiner joined CIAPM in April as its Science Officer, primarily overseeing the organization's demonstration projects, including ongoing projects on cancer disparities and Adverse Childhood Experiences. Prior to joining CIAPM, he dedicated 18 years to conducting neuroscience research at renowned institutions such as the National Institutes of Health, University of Pennsylvania, University of Rochester, and University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
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Most recently, Dr. Reiner served as a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institute on Drug Abuse and as a National Institute of General Medical Sciences PRAT Fellow. Apart from his scientific achievements, he founded a neuroscience public lecture series, facilitating engagement between researchers and the broader community. Additionally, he co-founded a trainee-led committee at the NIH, emphasizing inclusion, diversity, and equity initiatives to foster a more equitable and inclusive workplace environment. |
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Elyse Pennington joined CIAPM as a Science and Technology Policy Fellow, supported by the California Council on Science and Technology. During her time at the Governor's Office of Planning & Research, she is co-leading the pre-competitive stage and selections process of the new Depression Research Program. As part of that effort, Dr. Pennington conducted a landscape analysis and gap assessment of the current state of depression research funding in the US and relative level of need, respectively. She also contributed to the development of CIAPM’s first-ever Request for Information and statewide listening sessions.
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Before embarking on her journey in the policy field, Dr. Pennington completed a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Caltech, where she conducted research on air quality in Los Angeles. She actively participated in numerous science policy activities, including organizing the Student Activism Speaker Series and leading an international science policy trip to Geneva. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Harvey Mudd College. |
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Beck Tran joined CIAPM as a Summer Undergraduate Intern. Currently pursuing a B.A. in Legal Studies and Asian American Studies at UC Berkeley, their dedication lies in promoting equity, inclusion, and representation of minority groups in law and policy, particularly within queer and AAPI communities. Their internship focused on projects aimed at advancing access and equity, including expanding the Asset Inventory, a public mapping tool for research collaboration.
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In addition to their academic pursuits, Beck has directed the university's volunteer tax clinic and the Cal-in-Sacramento fellowship, contributed to the instruction of political science and law courses at UC Berkeley, and currently works as a caseworker in a legal clinic. They were twice-recognized with the Wells Fargo Research Fellowship and published an article addressing the challenges faced by AAPI-owned businesses during the pandemic. This year, they are continuing their research by focusing on BIPOC small businesses. |
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Advisors met on July 12 with a packed agenda, including renewing leadership roles of Chair Dr. Clara Lajonchere and Vice Chair Dr. Keith Yamamoto by unanimous votes. Additional topics covered new elements of the Depression Research Program, including a landscape analysis, gap assessment, RFI, and statewide listening sessions (details in the sections above), and a discussion about CIAPM’s role in developing a nationwide health innovation network for federal agencies (see section above about BARDA and ARPA-H). |
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Farewell to Advisor Dr. Schultz |
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During the July meeting, the Council recognized Advisor Dr. Mary Anne Schultz’s three years of dedicated service as she concluded her term. Dr. Schultz contributed a unique and valuable perspective as a health care practitioner for 48 years, faculty member and former Chair of the CSU San Bernardino Department of Nursing, fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, and an active leader of her community in the Inland Empire. |
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Next Council Meeting Announced |
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The Council will hold its next meeting on September 25, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public for virtual participation; register on the Advisory Council Meetings webpage. Both Advisory Council Working Groups are on hiatus until late 2023/early 2024.
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We invite members of the public to submit nominations for a new member of the Advisory Council. The Newsom Administration created the California Precision Medicine Advisory Council to provide high-level guidance to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research on matters relating to CIAPM. Members are California-based experts in precision medicine and represent patient advocacy and community groups, academia, private industry, health policy, clinical providers, venture capital, and philanthropy.
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External Funding Opportunities |
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Organizations are invited to aid in establishing a cohort of research participants that mirrors the vast diversity of the United States.
Submission Due Date: August 31, 2023
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Shared Resource Laboratories for Stem Cell-Based Modeling
Submission Due Date: August 29, 2023
Patient Support Program Services
Submission Due Date: August 29, 2023
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Find more external funding and engagement opportunities among CIAPM's Public Resources and the California Grants Portal. |
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Tutorial: Regulatory Pathways for Diagnostic Tests
September 12 | Online
The Personalized Medicine Coalition, Codex4SMEs, and the European Infrastructure for Translational Medicine will host a virtual tutorial on the regulatory pathways for bringing new diagnostics to market.
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PM23: Precision Medicine Without Borders
September 19 | Hybrid
Hosted by Harvard Medical School, this year’s annual precision medicine conference (PM23) will focus on emerging topics as well as long-standing challenges at the intersection of precision medicine and global health.
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Find more curated external events among CIAPM's Public Resources. |
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P.O. Box 3022
Sacramento, CA 95814-3022
(916) 322-2318
info@opr.ca.gov
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