Collaborating for the Advancement of Interdisciplinary Research in Benign Urology

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CAIRIBU COMMUNITY COLLABORATION AWARDS

Request for Applications

Applications related to any aspect of urology research are sought (no clinical trials). Proposals creating new collaborations between clinicians and scientists or that build the field are particularly sought. Projects may request up to $120,000 total costs for 1 year. All proposals will be reviewed. Full application details HERE. Project start and end dates are 6/01/2026 to 7/01/2027.

• APPLICATION DEADLINE: 4/20/2026 by 11:59 PM Central Time
• ELIGIBILITY: Applicants currently or previously engaged with a CAIRIBU initiative or event and/or affiliated in some way with a CAIRIBU U54 or P20 Center or CAIRIBU K12 Urology Program
• APPLICATION REQS: Research Strategy up to 6 pages + Specific Aims page. Other required elements: budget, biosketches, and description of CAIRIBU Collaboration Award research goals met by the proposal

Full details available on the CAIRIBU website funding page HERE

DUKE KURE SYMPOSIUM CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

Friday, April 17, 2026 @ Duke University

Travel awards for trainees and early-stage investigators who submit abstracts are available

Abstract deadline: 3/12/2026 - Info HERE

• THEMES THIS YEAR: Urogenital pain and effects of obesity on urogenital conditions
• SPEAKERS: Quentin Clemens, MD; Andrea Nackley, PhD; Stephen Walker, PhD; Kyle Wood, MD; Annika Sinha, MD; and Jonathan Campbell, PhD
• REGISTRATION IS FREE - Faculty, fellows, postdocs, & students from any discipline are encouraged to attend

CAIRIBU AT SUFU, UTIGA, AND AUA 2026

SUFU 2026, Feb 24-28 (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Check out all the CAIRIBU investigators and trainees who presented research or participated in some other way at the annual meeting of the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine, and Reconstructive Urology. The list of CAIRIBU investigators @ SUFU 2026 includes:

• Lenny Ackerman, MD, PhD; Sylvia Suadicani, PhD; Samuel Cornelius, graduate student; Doug Strand, PhD; Gabbie Robilotto, graduate student; Ashika Goel, MS, graduate student; Ujjaini Basu, MSc, graduate student; Osvaldo Vega Rodriguez; Jim Hokanson, PhD; Hannah Ruetten, DVM, PhD; Nicole De Nisco, PhD; Betsy Salazar, PhD; Quentin Clemens, MD; Giulia Ippolito, MD, MS; Emily Ricke, MS; Alejandro Roldan-Alzate, PhD; Craig Comiter, MD

UTIGA 2026, Apr 9-11 (Nashville, TN)

The primary organizer this year of the annual meeting of the Urinary Tract Infection Global Alliance - the 6th Clinical and Scientific Advances in Urinary Tract Infections meeting - is Maria Hadjifrangiskou, PhD (PI of a prior CAIRIBU P20 Urology Center). In addition to Dr. Hadjifrangiskou, the list of CAIRIBU-affiliated investigators @ UTIGA 2026 includes:

• Douglass Clayton, MD; Jonathan Schmitz, MD; Allyson Shea, PhD; Chad Vezina, PhD; Xingtong Dong, PhD; Kathryn Patras, PhD; Ashlee Earl, PhD; Megan Behringer, PhD

AUA 2026, May 15-18 (Washington DC)

CAIRIBU Community investigators and trainees participate in the annual American Urological Association meeting in significant numbers. This year is no different. GO HERE for a list of CAIRIBU-affiliated investigators at the AUA meeting - note that the list is growing. As accepted abstracts are published, this list will be updated.

BLOCK THE DAY: Joint AUA/SBUR basic and translational research symposium for non-malignant urology

WHEN: Saturday, May 15, 7:30-11:30 AM and 1:00-3:00 PM

Kristina Penniston, PhD, RD (University of Wisconsin-Madison and CAIRIBU Interactions Core PI) is co-director.



Multiple scientists will present their research within 3 sessions: BPH, comorbidity-associated genitourinary disorders, and urothelial dysfunction. Panels of urologists will follow each session to engage in discourse about cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration, critical knowledge gaps, and moving progress more quickly from the bench to the bedside.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAIRIBU LEADERSHIP AND ENGAGEMENT

CAIRIBU Urobiome Research Interest Group Summer Camp

What is this? Three virtual events this summer - June 26, July 17, and August 21 - aimed at enhancing the research capacity of trainees and early-stage investigators (ESI) involved in urobiome research

How can I help? If you are a trainee or ESI, COMPLETE THIS QUESTIONNAIRE by March 23 about your research- and professional-related needs. The planning committee will use your responses to finalize content for these virtual events.

How can I participate? Trainees who participate will: (1) practice presenting posters, (2) receive feedback on figure design, qualifying exams, or dissertation writing, (3) gain advice on applying to fellowships, (4) learn about effective science communication, and (5) hear about career options across academia, industry, and government. Watch for an official invitation to register - some sessions will require you to submit materials (posters, figures, etc) in advance.



MENTORS - Please encourage your trainees and early-stage investigators in your research groups to participate in this summer camp series. While it is aimed at urobiome investigators, trainees involved in ANY KIND OF RESEARCH are encouraged to attend.

Develop and Plan CAIRIBU Postdoc Seminars

What is this? A new CAIRIBU Postdoctoral Seminar Series will provide a platform for CAIRIBU-affiliated postdocs to present their research to a broader audience, including clinicians, scientists, NIH Program Officers, and others. Access to a clinical audience is not always a routine part of postdoctoral training. This series will address that gap by creating space for back-and-forth discussion, highlighting translational relevance, and offering structured clinician commentary.



• How can I help? Join the CAIRIBU planning committee to shape the seminar format, timing, and structure. Contact Mariana Coughlin. Participation will involve one virtual planning meeting.
• How can I participate? Be ready to sign up for a presentation slot during an upcoming CAIRIBU Postdoc Seminar, times and dates TBD.
• MENTORS - Please encourage your postdocs to participate in this initiative.

Test the CAIRIBU Mobile Phone App

• What is this? The CAIRIBU mobile app is now live on the Apple App Store and provides streamlined access to CAIRIBU programming, events, resources, and updates. In response to requests for an Android version, we are now developing one and preparing for beta testing.
• How can I help? How can I participate? If you have an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, etc.), download and explore the Apple version of the app. Download the app here: CAIRIBU App for iPhone Users. If you are an Android user, volunteer to serve as a beta tester to help us refine the release before it launches publicly. Complete this brief interest form: Android Testing Interest Form.

Publish Your Urobiome Research

Following is a message from Nicole De Nisco, PhD (UT Dallas), leader of the CAIRIBU Urobiome Research Interest Group and editor at the journal, mSystems...

Are you studying the microbiology of urologic systems and looking for an excellent open access non-profit journal that gives back to the community? Look no further! mSystems, published by the American Society for Microbiology, is the preeminent journal in microbial systems biology. mSystems welcomes submissions from researchers who focus on the microbiome, genomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, glycomics, bioinformatics, and computational microbiology. Our knowledgeable academic editors facilitate a fair peer review and a streamlined decision process (less than 30 days on average).

Nicole De Nisco, PhD

Editor, mSystems

FORECAST FOR GEORGE M. O'BRIEN UROLOGY O'BRIEN CENTERS RFA

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) forecast anticipates announcing a Request for Applications (RFA) for the George M. O'Brien Urology Cooperative Research Centers Program in April 2026 with a 7/01/2026 application due date and projected start date of 2/01/2027. Total program funding is estimated to be $5.3 million. Up to 5 awards may be available. See forecast HERE.

CAIRIBU COMMUNITY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

CAIRIBU Connections - Promoting connections across fields and disciplines

Dr. Michael Chancellor, urologist and Professor at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital and Director of the neurourology program, will discuss radiation cystitis and his journey from research in animal models through development and validation of a new therapy, ending with FDA approval and partnership with the Radiation Cystitis Foundation to establish a patient registry and strengthen regulatory engagement.

WHEN: Monday, April 20

TIME: 3:00 PM Eastern (2 PM Central | 12 PM Pacific)

ZOOM LINK: When time to join, go HERE

Dr. Chancellor has expertise in stem cell and tissue engineering and drug discovery. He was one of the first urologists to use botulinum toxin to treat lower urinary tract dysfunction. Dr. Chancellor's discovery in cellular therapy led to a multicenter North American trial using adult autologous muscle-derived cells to treat stress urinary incontinence. He is also a pioneer in local drug delivery using liposomes to treat bladder diseases. Mark your calendars now to tune in to this event.

CAIRIBU ARCTICS Community forums

March 11, April 8, and May 13

Presenters include:

Gregory Tasian, MD, MSc, MSCE (CAIRIBU P20 Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia); Chad Vezina, PhD (CAIRIBU K12 Program at UW-Madison); Marvin Langston, PhD (CAIRIBU K12 Alum, now at Stanford University); Michael Odom, PhD (CAIRIBU K12 Alum, now at Duke University); Petra Popovics, PhD (CAIRIBU K12 Alum, now at Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University); Teresa Liu, PhD (CAIRIBU K12 Alum, now at St. John Fisher University); Acacia White, PhD (postdoc, UW-Madison); Sonia Fargue, MD, PhD (University of Alabama at Birmingham); and Michael Neugent, PhD (CAIRIBU Urobiome Research Interest Group, UT Dallas)



Prior CAIRIBU ARCTICS Community forum recordings are HERE

CAIRIBU K12 Scholar Seminars

March 12, April 9, May 14, and June 11

Presenters include:

Jessie Ge, MD (CAIRIBU K12 Program at Stanford University); Lindsey Felth Tanaka, PhD (CAIRIBU K12 Program at UW-Madison); Jennifer Hammel, PhD (CAIRIBU K12 Program at Duke University); and Marcela Ambrogi, PhD (CAIRIBU K12 Program at UW-Madison)

Prior CAIRIBU K12 Seminar Series recordings are HERE

CAIRIBU Graduate Student Seminars

April 15, July 15, and October 21

Presenters include:

Jamisha Francis, MSc (mentor, Maria Hadjifrangiskou, PhD, Vanderbilt University); Samantha Ye, Leuna Sen, and Jenna Simpson (mentor, Nicholas Steers, PhD, Columbia University); Audra Crouch, PhD and Andrew McGlynn, DVM (mentor: Vanessa Hale, PhD, DVM, Ohio State University)

Uro-Lit Live Discussions

March 25, April 22, and May 27

Presenters include:

Michael Neugent, PhD (UT Dallas); Miguel Verbitsky, PhD (Columbia University); Eva Raphael, MD, MPH (UC San Francisco); Vanessa Hale, DVM, PhD (Ohio State University); Matthew Grimes, MD and Madi Taychert (UW-Madison)

CAIRIBU RESEARCH INTEREST GROUPS

CAIRIBU Urobiome Research Interest Group (RIG)

March 20, April 17, and May 15

Presenters in April are: Xintong Dong, PhD (UT Dallas) and Kymora Scotland, MD, PhD (UC Los Angeles). The March and May events will feature strategic discussion about advancing urobiome research and will address potential research collaborations, grant applications, consensus papers, and other small group activities.

In addition... CAIRIBU Urobiome RIG "summer camp" events occur in June, July, and August. See above for description, dates, and mechanisms for participation.

Recordings of prior CAIRIBU Urobiome RIG presentations are HERE

CAIRIBU Uro-Aging Research Interest Group (RIG)

March 23, April 27, and June 22

Presenters in March and April are: Alison Huang, MD, MPhil, MAS (UC San Francisco) and Maria Florian-Rodriguez, MD (UT Southwestern). The June event will center around a strategic discussion for advancing uro-aging research

Recordings of prior CAIRIBU Uro-Aging RIG presentations are HERE

CAIRIBU BPH Research Interest Group (RIG)

May 6, June 10, July 8, August 12, Sept 9 (more TBD)

BRAND NEW!!! This group will connect investigators and clinicians who are engaged or interested in studying benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is an interdisciplinary initiative involving basic and translational scientists as well as clinicians. This RIG will stimulate knowledge exchange, new ideas, strategic visioning, and transdisciplinary research collaborations in BPH research.

The CAIRIBU BPH RIG is currently spearheaded by Kazumi Taguchi, MD, PhD (University of Alabama at Birmingham), who is working with CAIRIBU Interactions Core staff to build this RIG. Plans currently are to meet virtually at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (6 PM Central | 4 PM Pacific) on 2nd Wednesdays of the month for a mix of presentations, discussions, and literature reviews.

Interested in BPH research? Others are need to help lead and develop this CAIRIBU RIG. Come to the virtual "meet and greet" event to kick off this RIG, Wed., May 6 @ 7:00 PM Eastern. Zoom link available HERE.

Other new CAIRIBU Research Interest Groups in the works include a Uro-Immunology RIG and a Patient Engagement in Research RIG. Stay tuned for more information about both and for how to get involved.

UROLOGY RESEARCH FUNDING

The CAIRIBU Interactions Core has expanded the search for urology research funding. Spearheaded by Theo Ng, CAIRIBU Interactions Core administrative coordinator, the CAIRIBU website features announcements from federal agencies AS WELL AS from professional societies, organizations, foundations, and industry. Below are a few recent research funding announcements. More announcements are on CAIRIBU website HERE.

Health Science Futures Mission Office Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO); sponsor: Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). ARPA-H-SOL-24-104 seeks projects that expand what is technically possible, i.e., approaches that remove scientific and technological limitations that stymie progress. The award supports cutting-edge, often disease-agnostic research programs with potential for translational application and impact. The following areas are supported: (1) breakthrough technologies, (2) transformative tools, (3) platform systems, and other revolutionary technologies. Budget: amount not specified; duration negotiable. Open to any career stage. Must submit Solution Summary and receive written feedback from ARPA-H before submission. [Solution Summary Deadline: 3/5/2029]

BRAIN Initiative: Research Resource Grants for Technology Integration and Dissemination; sponsor: NIH (relevant ICs include NIA, NICHD, NINDS). U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed. RFA-NS-27-001 supports efforts to disseminate resources for integration into neuroscience research practice. Resource(s) should be relevant to the goals of the BRAIN Initiative, shared broadly with the neuroscience community, and address compelling needs of neuroscience researchers that are otherwise unavailable or impractical in their current form. Relevant to research pertaining to brain-bladder connections. Open to any career stage; duration <5 yrs. [Expires 10/7/2028]

Research Grants in Clinical Informatics; sponsor: NIH (National Library of Medicine). R01 Clinical Trial Optional. PAR-26-042 supports research on design, implementation, and evaluation of clinical informatics tools and methods that enable data-driven discovery, promote evidence-based decision-making, and support personalized and precision health care. Ideal projects will transform raw and heterogeneous health data into actionable knowledge, develop innovative tools, and implement practical applications with broad clinical applications. Open to any career stage; budget <250 K directs/yr; duration <4 yrs. [Expires 3/6/2029]

Advancing Bioinformatics, Translational Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Research; sponsor: NIH (National Library of Medicine). R01 Clinical Trial Optional. PAR-26-040 supports projects that drive groundbreaking innovation and advance development in bioinformatics, translational bioinformatics, and computational biology. Supports creation and implementation of cutting-edge methods, tools, and approaches that transform the biomedical data science landscape. Of particular importance: leverage transformative technologies - such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and large-scale computational platforms - to extract actionable knowledge. Open to any career stage; budget <250 K directs/yr, duration <4 yrs. [Expires 3/6/2029]

Resource-Related Research Projects for Development of Models and Related Materials for Studying Human Health and Diseases; sponsor: NIH, Office of Research Infrastructure Programs. (R24 Clinical Trials Not Allowed). RFA-OD-25-010 seeks grant applications aimed at developing, characterizing, or improving research models of human health and diseases; developing biology-based approach methodologies applicable to human health and diseases; or improving access to information about or generated from the use of models of human disease. Models and related biological materials must be broadly applicable to the scientific interests of at least two NIH Institutes or Centers and must evaluate diseases and processes that impact multiple organ systems. Applications must describe need and potential impact of the proposed resources on the research community across a range of scientific disciplines. Awards are for 4 yrs with chance for renewals. Standard NIH due dates for LOIs and applications apply. [Expires 09/29/2028]

Spinal Cord Injury Research on the Translational Spectrum Grants; sponsor: Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. Applications are sought that target a system or function affected by spinal cord injury or its sequelae (including urology-related) during the acute or chronic injury period. Projects should demonstrate novelty, high scientific merit, and potential for substantial impact on treatment and care. Meaningful incorporation of people with lived experience in the development and management of the research is encouraged. Up to 2 yrs funding will be provided for preclinical studies; human subjects research may receive up to 3 yrs. Maximum total cost is $400,000; budgets may not exceed $200,000 in any year (10% max for indirect costs). PIs must be independent investigators at any stage of their research career. [LOI Deadline: 5/22/26; full application deadline: 11/12/26]

Human Tissues and Organs for Research Resource (HTORR) Pilot Award Program; sponsor: National Disease Research Interchange. Awards cover all costs associated with obtaining up to ~10 human biospecimens to be used in a pilot study, including tissue preservation reagents and shipping costs, for an award period of up to 24 months. Preliminary data generated are expected to be used in subsequent grant application(s) to at least one supporting NIH institute by the end of the 2-yr project period. Eligible individuals must be ESIs or established investigators transitioning to using human biospecimens. Application materials include: Requested Tissue Information Form, Administrative Information Form, Personal Statement (2 pgs max), Lay Summary (500 words max), Scientific Abstract (500 words max), Specific Aims (1 pg max), Research Plan (6 pgs max), References, Letters of Recommendation (2-3), Applicant Biosketch, Biosketches for Collaborators (if applicable), Letters of Collaboration (if applicable), and signed HTORR Pilot Award Program Application Checklist. [Application Deadline: 5/1/26]

CAIRIBU YouTube Playlists are "channels" that correspond to specific research interests

CAIRIBU Interactions Core staff recently categorized all CAIRIBU YouTube content by specific area within the lower urinary tract (nearly 150 videos!). Find recordings in which you are most interested (e.g., bladder, prostate, infection, etc.). Content related to trainees is also categorized. Look HERE.

Kristina L. Penniston, PhD, RD

PI, CAIRIBU U24 Interactions Core

(U24-DK127726)

penn@urology.wisc.edu

Dept. of Urology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI

Links to websites for current CAIRIBU Centers and Programs are on the CAIRIBU website HERE

Collaborating for the Advancement of Interdisciplinary Research in Benign Urology



CAIRIBU is a community first formed around NIDDK-funded U54 and P20 Urology Centers and K12 Institutional Career Development Programs whose overarching objectives are to address gaps in knowledge related to epidemiology, etiology, development, progression, and expression of non-malignant urologic conditions and to train the next generation of leaders in urology research. The CAIRIBU Interactions Core is the central coordinating body for the CAIRIBU Community and for all collaborative-minded investigators and trainees studying genitourinary diseases.