Research and innovation
What sets LifeGift apart is our unwavering commitment to research, innovation and the future of life-saving medicine. Our mission extends beyond transplantation by advancing clinical research and pioneering new technologies that have the power to transform healthcare and save countless lives for generations to come.
Organs and tissues donated for research are those that cannot be used for transplantation, yet they have an extraordinary impact. Through these selfless gifts, donors continue to create hope by driving breakthroughs in disease treatment, expanding transplant possibilities, improving patient outcomes and supporting the development of new therapies and medications.
For many families, the decision to donate to research becomes a meaningful part of their loved one’s legacy. In the midst of loss, they find comfort and pride in knowing their loved one will continue to make a difference by contributing to discoveries that may one day save and improve the lives of others around the world.
Research partnership opportunities
Advancing research is critical to shaping the future of donation and transplantation. At LifeGift, we are dedicated to supporting innovation by partnering with leading academic medical centers, universities, biotechnology companies and hospitals to accelerate progress in medical science through organ, tissue and eye donation.
Interested in collaborating with LifeGift on groundbreaking research initiatives? We invite you to submit a project proposal form. For questions or additional information, please contact research@lifegift.org.
Research process
- Researchers interested in partnering with LifeGift submit a study proposal through the research portal for review.
- Proposals are carefully evaluated to ensure alignment with LifeGift’s mission, study feasibility and operational readiness.
- Researchers may receive feedback and revision requests as part of the review process prior to final consideration.
- Finalized proposals advance to committee review, where members evaluate the study and vote on approval status.
- Approved studies move forward to staff education and in-service training prior to activation.
- Once training is complete, the study is activated and the LifeGift team begins coordinating organ and tissue offers as opportunities arise.
- New study requests
- Project Proposal Form
- Project Billing Form
- Project Agreement Form
Ongoing study requests
Accredited by the Association for Advancing Tissue and Biologics
LifeGift has maintained accreditation from the Association for Advancing Tissue and Biologics (AATB) since 2006. AATB is the nationally recognized organization responsible for establishing and certifying standards that ensure the safety, quality and availability of human tissue for transplantation and research.
This accreditation is achieved through a rigorous review and auditing process that includes comprehensive inspections of LifeGift’s facilities, documentation and operational practices.
Maintaining AATB accreditation demonstrates that LifeGift’s medical, technical and administrative performance consistently meets or exceeds nationally established standards. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and to serving donor families, healthcare partners and the communities entrusted to our care.
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.
