Research at Mile Square Health Center
UI Health Mile Square Health Center takes great pride in fostering an inclusive research environment, welcoming external research teams to conduct studies within our facility.
Our streamlined application process, distinct from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) procedures, ensures that external researchers can seamlessly integrate their projects within our diverse healthcare landscape. We are committed to cultivating collaborative research partnerships that drive innovation and contribute to the advancement of healthcare solutions for our community and beyond.
Mile Square is dedicated to cultivating impactful research initiatives that directly target our community's critical health needs, guided by our 2023 Needs Assessment. Priority areas include:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cancer screening and treatment
- Prenatal and perinatal care
- Pediatric health
- Behavioral health
Our research approval process serves as a fundamental mechanism for guaranteeing the alignment of research undertakings with our healthcare objectives. Central to this process are our Research Council and Board of Directors, both playing pivotal roles in shaping the direction and impact of our research efforts.
Application Process
The Mile Square Health Center Research Council is composed of volunteer members, including community members, members of the scientific community, Mile Square clinicians, and leadership. Together, the diverse members of the Research Council inform and guide the research projects that are presented to them at monthly meetings.
After a project is reviewed and approved by our Research Council, it is sent to the Board of Directors with a recommendation to consider approval. The Board of Directors further vets the project for its capacity to fit within the Mile Square landscape all the while being of potential benefit to our individual patients and community members.
Once a project is approved by the Board of Directors, the Research Core team works with the research team to design project-specific workflows and coordinate resource allocation. The Research Core team remains in close contact with research teams during the full project life cycle.
Some research teams may find it valuable to meet with the Research Core team prior to completing the application process if there are any questions regarding feasibility. If you intend to have a study conducted at Mile Square Health Centers, it is important for the Principle Investigator (PI) to incorporate appropriate compensation in their budget for space, patient incentives, staff time, and appropriate percentage of indirects. Please contact our Senior Research Coordinator, Samantha Madrid, at smadri4@uic.edu if you have any questions.
Application Checklist
Applications should be submitted online and are required to include:
- Completed Mile Square Health Center online application
- Completed PowerPoint presentation template
- Research Council one-page summary
- Board of Directors one-page summary
Click here for the online application and documents.
It is recommended that research teams have the following information ready and available:
- Protocol or protocol draft
- Budget or budget proposal
- Project work plan (timeline)
- IRB application and approval letter or exemption/waiver
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a UIC IRB approval letter to apply?
An IRB approval letter or exemption is not necessary to apply but is necessary to begin research operations within Mile Square Health Center.
When are applications due?
All research applications and accompanying documents are due one week prior to the Research Council meeting.
When will my project be reviewed?
The Research Council meets on the third Tuesday of the month and the Board of Directors meets on the third Monday of the month.
How long does Mile Square approval take to complete?
The entire approval process can take anywhere from one to three months, depending on a variety of factors, including the availability of presentation slots at the next Council meeting and time for research teams to address Council questions or concerns.
Does Mile Square have rentable, dedicated research space?
Yes, Mile Square - Main has rentable research space on-site at 1220 South Wood Street. Research teams should be sure to budget for this in their grant budget and in their indirect.
Questions about Research at Mile Square
If you have questions, please contact Samantha Madrid at smadri4@uic.edu.
Thank you for your interest in collaborating with Mile Square Health Center.
