AST Launches Transplantation and Immunology Research Network (TIRN); Aims to Expand Research Collaboration & Funding

The American Society of Transplantation (AST), representing the majority of professionals engaged in the field of organ transplantation, today announced the launch of the Transplantation and Immunology Research Network (TIRN), a professional network established to advance transplantation and immunology research. As modern organ transplantation continues to diversify, AST determined the field needed a network that could provide more opportunities for physicians, scientists and researchers to collaborate within their respective specialty areas and engage those interested in funding groundbreaking research. TIRN was thus established as a means to support basic, translational and clinical research in transplantation and immunology by bringing together investigators, research partners, patients and the general public. The announcement was made at the 2014 World Transplant Congress in San Francisco, an event which itself represents the cooperation necessary for driving innovation in transplantation and immunology research.

TIRN will provide opportunities for researchers to learn from one another by building on their collective strengths, expanding their knowledge of cutting-edge techniques, and growing their professional connections. This new network includes industry leaders, private organizations and academic institutions that support transplantation research and are committed to nurturing the next generation of investigators. Patients and their families along with the general public will also be able to better understand the positive impact of new research.

“Advancing research is a critical step towards improving human life,” said Daniel R. Salomon, MD, TIRN chair and outgoing AST president. “Our vision is to establish TIRN as a collaborative network of innovators, people that will be responsible for developing the next generation of medications, tests and technical advances in our industry. We must come together to support research that will not only advance organ transplantation, but all areas of science and medicine.”

Like AST, TIRN will be governed by a committee of experts in transplantation and immunology. The committee will be appointed by the AST President, and approved by the AST Board of Directors.

Since 1995, AST has funded more than 200 research projects with more than $10 million through its existing research grants funding structure. This funding has spurred innovative research that has dramatically enhanced the field of organ transplantation. TIRN is currently accepting applications for grant funding for research with priorities in the areas of basic science, clinical science and translational science. Investigators are encouraged to apply for funding at www.TIRN.org by Sept. 15, 2014.

For more information on joining TIRN or becoming a TIRN industry partner, please visit www.TIRN.org.

Media Contact:
Libby McDannell