Integrative Technologies Support Core

The CEG Integrative Technologies Support Core (ITS) works to provide investigators with access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and technologies in a manner that enhances overall research effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and utilization of time and manpower. The ITS offers free access to shared equipment and services and direct subsidies (see below) for CEG members to use technology cores/facilities already existing at UC and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Each piece of shared equipment has an online scheduler. To access, first click on the type of equipment listed below, then read and click on its Sign-up/reservation form.

To apply for an ITS subsidy

• The application steps are illustrated in this Flow Chart (PDF). Please download and adhere to the steps herein, including with regard to invoices (i.e., approved subsidies).
• All requests must be relevant to the mission of the CEG and the study of gene-environment interactions (GxE). See detailed criteria below.
• Applications must include a written cost quote from the core manager\services provider.  
• Applications must be submitted and approved before core services are obtained or invoiced; the CEG will not award "after the fact" subsidies.
• Each investigator will receive not more than 3 subsidies per year, not to exceed 10K per PI per year. ITS can match only up to half of anticipated Core usage costs (50%); the maximum amount per request is up to $5,000. 
• ITS Subsidy Application form: Download the word doc here. Download the PDF copy.
• Please provide all details required on the application form and submit it with the Core's written cost quote in c/o the CEG program director.

All requests must be relevant to the mission of the CEG and the study of gene-environment interactions (GxE).  “Gene” in this context is broadly defined: i.e., as individual genes/gene components, gene products, genomics, functional genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics. “Environment” in this context is defined based on the language used by the NIEHS for environmentally relevant toxicants:

Examples of environmentally relevant toxicants include industrial chemicals or manufacturing byproducts, metals, pesticides, herbicides, air pollutants, other inhaled toxicants, particulates or fibers, and fungal/bacterial or biologically derived toxins. Agents considered non-responsive include, but are not limited to: alcohol, drugs of abuse, pharmaceuticals, chemotherapeutic agents, radiation which is not a result of an ambient environmental exposure, and infectious or parasitic agents, except when agents are disease co-factors to an environmental toxicant exposure to produce the biological effect... However, it is appropriate to include these factors as part of research to define the effects of the exposome, and these factors may be a part of applications focused on the totality of a person’s environmental exposure.  [our emphasis added]

Note that, while environmental tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke) is considered a fundable topic, (direct) smoking is not.

Please contact ITS Core Director Ying Xia, Ph.D. if you have any questions about the shared equipment program and ITS matching funds policy

All requests that include the use of human subjects or human specimens must include a consultation with the CEG Translational Research Support Core by using the Research Central portal of the Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training. When queried regarding project information, note project affiliation (if applicable) and indicate the Center for Environmental Genetics.

Research supported by the Center for Environmental Genetics should cite NIEHS P30-ES006096