# COOPERATIVE HUMAN TISSUE NETWORK EASTERN DIVISION

> **NIH NIH UM1** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 2020 · $809,830

## Abstract

ABSTRACT: The core mission of the Cooperative Human Tissue Network has been the
distribution of high quality, well-characterized human biospecimens to researchers who study
human disease. Over the past 31 years, the current Eastern Division (ED) has built a dynamic
infrastructure and has brought the resource to the research community. The purpose of this
proposal is to convey the strengths and innovations of the ED and to describe the plan through
which an already successful biospecimen procurement and distribution resource will facilitate
and enhance biomedical discovery over the next 5 year cycle. The University of Pennsylvania
(UPENN) as the current Eastern Division (ED) of the Cooperative Human Tissue Network
(CHTN). submits this application to continue as an adult division of the proposed network. To
support this objective, we present the following as specific aims of the ED during this grant
cycle. 1) To improve the value of the Network to investigators through innovations in operations,
in order to provide a diversified supply of biosamples. To fulfill the specialized requests of the
CHTN investigators, by using a targeted sourcing approach to specimen collection. 2) To assure
the highest possible quality of tissue, data and services. To use an integrated IT infrastructure to
monitor and facilitate biorepository operations and services (collection, processing, quality
control, distribution, and storage) guaranteeing a responsive, interactive resource that will adapt
to emerging scientific trends. 3) To maximize the impact of the resource by disseminating a
proven, successful brand of investigator recruitment and personalized customer service,
ensuring researcher satisfaction with the resource. 4) To collaborate with other members of the
CHTN to ensure an effective resource by enhancing accessibility to samples, harmonizing
interoperability between divisions and by expanding investigations into innovative
methodologies and exploring new avenues of biorepository sciences.
The ED proposes to bring a innovative approach to improve the strength of the network and to
guarantee quality of the distributed biospecimens.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9903263
- **Project number:** 5UM1CA239745-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **Principal Investigator:** VIRGINIA ANNE LIVOLSI
- **Activity code:** UM1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $809,830
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-04-01 → 2024-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9903263

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9903263, COOPERATIVE HUMAN TISSUE NETWORK EASTERN DIVISION (5UM1CA239745-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9903263. Licensed CC0.

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