Research and innovation
Our commitment to research and innovation sets us apart.
As part of our life-saving mission at LifeGift, we are committed to clinical research and new, innovative technologies that will help save lives today and in the future. Organs and tissues donated for research are not suitable for transplant. While these gifts don’t go directly to a recipient, they are saving an untold number of future lives through medical advancements. The families who give these generous gifts of research organs and tissues often share that they are proud of their loved one’s legacy and how it will help improve disease treatment, expand transplant options and develop new medications.
Research partnership opportunities
Cutting edge research is key to advancing donation and transplantation. At LifeGift, we’re dedicated to assisting researchers in academic medical centers, universities, biotechnology centers and hospitals to advance the field of medical research through organ, tissue and eye donation.
Are you interested in creating a research partnership with LifeGift? Please send an email to Research@lifegift.org with your intent to submit a proposal and the estimated time to start and completion of your study as well as the organ or tissue being requested.
Research process
- Completed submissions are reviewed by the LifeGift committees to insure that the study is aligned with the overall mission of our organization. We also review with each researcher/partner to ensure that study enrollment occurs in a timely manner. Regular updates and open communication are expected throughout the duration of our partnership.
- Committees meet on a weekly and monthly basis, so projects are approved within 4-6 weeks of submission of a completed application.
- Our staff reviews initial applications for completeness on a timely basis and works with investigators to answer questions and assist with completion.
- Time to first enrollment depends on the training needs for the study.
New study requests
Ongoing study requests
Accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks
LifeGift has maintained accreditation since 2006 by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB), the national organization that recognizes and certifies tissue banks to ensure the safety, quality and availability of human tissue for transplantation and research. This accreditation follows and intensive review and auditing process, including a thorough inspection of LifeGift facilities and associated documentation and practices.
Accreditation establishes that our level of medical, technical and administrative performance meets or exceeds the standards set by AATB, and is one way we demonstrate our ongoing commitment to be the best organization we can be to serve families and the community.
Our commitment
In its mission to provide hope and save more lives, LifeGift is committed to adopting clinical research and new technologies in the areas of organ preservation, donor management and bone marrow recovery and transplantation.
One example of how the organization has embraced innovation in offering hope is the addition of the LifeGift Institute for the Future of Transplantation Simulation (SIM) Center. The SIM Center is a high-fidelity intensive care unit that provides simulation-based experiences, including organ and tissue donation training and education. The SIM Center promotes a safe learning environment and offers numerous educational opportunities for our team members and donation partners.
