Transdisciplinary Initiatives Program (TIP)

The MCHRI TIP Program provides support for up to two years for new and innovative maternal and child health research programs that are best (or only) achievable through collaboration across different disciplines.  This program is designed to foster interdisciplinary collaborations, curricular innovations, and the development of seminars and symposia. Faculty from different schools are encouraged to work together on these initiatives, with particular emphasis on collaborations between basic and physician scientists. The TIP program aims to assist faculty develop initial collaborations into larger research programs and engage investigators not currently involved in maternal and child health research.

Additional Transdisciplinary Initiatives Program Opportunity: Pediatric Cancer

MCHRI is offering a dedicated TIP award to faculty whose research is in any discipline involving pediatric brain tumor and cancer.  Eligibility and application requirements are the same.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Letter of Intent: January 13, 2026
Full Proposal (by Invitation): April 20, 2026

AWARD START DATE
July 1, 2026

• All projects must be significantly related to the health of expectant mothers and children^[1] and clearly articulate how the research will contribute to the advancement of maternal and child health, including reproductive health equity and/or access to reproductive health services.
• The proposed initiative must utilize a multi-PI approach, with at least two lead investigators from different disciplines and schools at Stanford.  Both lead investigators are expected to make significant contributions to the research. 
  • Note: If one of the lead investigators holds an appointment in the Dept. of Bioengineering or has a 50/50 split appointment, please confirm the investigator’s primary[1] appointment and provide the full-time equivalent (FTE).  
•  Proposals should outline how the research agenda for both PIs advances the maternal and child health (MCH) agenda and mission, ensuring the research is driving MCH forward rather than merely providing a service.
• List all disciplines involved and describe their contributions, with particular emphasis on the non-School of Medicine (SoM) investigator. Indicate whether this is a new collaboration or an existing team with a new project or research area. 

Review Criteria:

A key element of the review is the potential for the proposed work to lead to external funding. In addition to this, reviewers will consider other aspects of the proposal. Applicants should clearly articulate the use case and impact for their project on maternal and child health outcomes.  Other points reviewers may consider include, but are not limited to: 

• Contributions to clinical management, public health initiatives, policy development, or community-based interventions. 
• Demonstration of how the integration of two distinct disciplines can lead to innovative outcomes.
• Moving beyond sharing existing knowledge or educational efforts, fostering independent and complementary research directions. 
• Formation of a truly transdisciplinary team rather than simply launching a new project within an existing lab, with the goal of enabling future externally funded research. 

*For more information, please refer to the FY26 RFA.

The total award is up to $100,000 / year for up to two years. Funding can be used for personnel (undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral students, research assistants, or associates, or faculty) and research-related expenses.

Funds cannot be used for student tuition or fees, computer equipment, office supplies, ITCC communications, journal subscriptions, membership dues, or any indirect research costs.

• Eligible applicants must be Stanford faculty holding Clinician Educator (CE), University Tenure Line (UTL), Research (NTL-Research), or University Medical Line (UML) positions for the duration of the award.
• Projects must utilize a multi-PI approach, with at least two of the principal investigators from different disciplines, holding primary appointments in two different schools of the university (e.g., Graduate School of Business, Education, Engineering, Humanities & Sciences, Law, Medicine, and Doerr School of Sustainability).
• Only one submission allowed per applicant, per cycle.
• Visiting scholars are not eligible to serve as PI or Co-PI on TIP proposals but may serve as collaborators or sub-investigators.
•  Applicants cannot currently be funded by another TIP award as the PI or Co-PI.