What criteria are considered when evaluating an application for samples?

Biospecimens will be awarded to research projects that our Peer Review Process determines have the greatest opportunity to accelerate development of biomarkers of TB drug effect. Additional consideration is given to quantity and type of samples requested, given the overall inventory of available samples, as well as to the demonstration of capabilities and experience of the researchers, organizations, and facilities applying for access. This evaluation is performed by our Peer Review Committee.

Must I have funding for my research in place before applying?

Funding for your research project need not be secured prior to application. However, funding for completion of the study must be secured before samples are ultimately released to researchers. When applying, researchers should note the status of their funding as either:

• Funding for research plan has already been secured.

• Application(s) for funding of research program have been submitted, but funding is not yet confirmed.

• Application(s) for funding are contingent on provisional approval for award of samples.

Will an applicant be required to have a MARK-TB member as a co-investigator?

No. Unlike other biorepository collections, this is not a requirement for access to MARK-TB.

Can a rejected submission be appealed, or revised and resubmitted?

Yes. Applications are reviewed and decisions issued in a standardized manner. After a proposal is reviewed, Peer Review Committee members vote on acceptance or rejection of the application. The Secretary of the Peer Review Committee is responsible for collecting reviewers' comments to return to the applicant. There is a mechanism for a one-time revision and resubmission of the application within a set time period.

Are there any fees associated with submitting an application or receiving samples?

There are no fees associated with application submissions. However, investigator projects may incur processing fees for biospecimens received from the MARK-TB collections. Such fees are associated with aliquoting sputum and retrieving samples from storage. Investigators with approved protocols are also responsible for the cost of shipping samples to the investigator’s laboratory, as well as any related customs fees, taxes, tariffs, etc. Both retrieval and shipping fees will depend on the number of samples and shipping destination.