Collaborations
Our primary mechanism for sharing BCFR data and/or biospecimens is to conduct collaborative multinational, interdisciplinary and translational studies organized through the BCFR. This page describes the process of initiating a collaboration with the BCFR. To learn more about the BCFR’s broad data sharing through NIH databases, please visit the Data Sharing page.
Over 100 research studies have utilized data collected as part of the Breast Cancer Family Registry. We welcome collaborations from scientific researchers!
Please email bcfamilyregistry@cumc.columbia.edu with any questions about data, biospecimens, or the collaborations process.
Collaboration Resources
Collaboration Application Process
Step 1: Submit a Concept Proposal
Concept proposals for a research collaboration with the BCFR are submitted through the BCFR Informatics Support Center (ISC).
If you are a new user, please create a user account on the ISC website.
If you have an account, please login to the ISC.
You can save your progress and return to your proposal at any time. For step-by-step instructions and to preview the required fields in the online proposal submission form, download the BCFR Concept Proposal Template.
Step 2: BCFR PI Review
The BCFR Principal Investigators will review your concept proposal and may ask you to provide additional information or suggest changes to your proposal. Individual BCFR sites will determine whether or not to participate in the proposed collaboration and contribute data and/or biospecimens.
Concept proposals will be reviewed by the Principal Investigators on a monthly basis and you will receive an email notification once your concept proposal has been reviewed by all Principal Investigators of the BCFR sites included in your proposal.
If approved, you then can submit a Data and/or Biospecimen Request for specific data elements and/or biospecimens needed to conduct your project.
Step 3: Submit a Data and/or Biospecimen Request
Through the BCFR ISC, you will be able to review a data dictionary and request specific data elements and/or biospecimens relevant to your proposal.
Step 4: BCFR PI and Data Coordinating Center Review
The BCFR Principal Investigators and Data Coordinating Center will review your data and/or biospecimen request. Prior to final approval of your project, you will need to demonstrate IRB approval of your project from your institution.
Upon final approval, the BCFR Administrative Coordinating Center at Columbia University will initiate the appropriate Data Use Agreements (DUA) and/or Material Transfer Agreements (MTA). Most projects will require a single DUA between the BCFR ISC (located at Columbia University) and separate MTAs with each institution supplying biospecimens.
All DUAs must undergo IRB approval at Columbia University, the lead institution of the BCFR, prior to sharing of data and/or material.