The Monthly Discussion Series: A Look Back

At the Preterm Birth Initiative (PTBi), we broke down the traditional silos around scientific research. We believed the most effective way to address the complex issue of prematurity was through meaningful collaboration grounded in community wisdom. This was why, each month, we brought together a wide range of investigators, public health officers, providers, trainees and community members to have a lively, multi-faceted discussion about specific topics related to preterm birth. The events, called “collaboratories” (or collaborative laboratories), generated new ideas, collaborations and innovative approaches to preventing preterm delivery and improving outcomes for babies born too soon. From their inception in 2015 until the program’s conclusion, Collaboratories were a sought-after opportunity to disseminate research and grow awareness of preterm birth. CME credit was available for attendees.

Have an idea for a collaboratory? Share it here!


Lifelong Learning

The University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine (UCSF) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing education for physicians.

UCSF designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. To request CME credits for your Collaboratory attendance, please fill out this form. 

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See our previous Collaboratories
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Pitch a Collaboratory

PTBi is now inviting stakeholders of all backgrounds to submit their ideas for new Collaboratory events taking place in 2021. Awardees will be provided all of the resources, and staff support needed to bring to life an important topic regarding preterm birth for their community. See our frequently asked questions for more information. 

Submit a pitch!

FAQs About Pitching a Collaboratory

Why should I organize a Collaboratory? How does it benefit me/my organization/community?

Collaboratories give you an opportunity to gain access to a diverse array of audiences that can allow you to have your point of view heard, bring your expertise to the table, get feedback on research or ideas, and tell your stories that need to be lifted up to influence policy or your community. We provide a budget for hosting the event, as well as significant staff support to take care of event design and logistics, outreach and messaging, and community expertise. Your topic, your speakers, and your cause will be featured in multiple PTBi newsletters that reach thousands.

What is the timeline for submitting pitches?

Currently, we are accepting pitches for all of our 2021 Collaboratories. Please see the timeline below.

September 15, 2020 – Pitches for January, February, and March 2021 are due

December 8, 2020 – Pitches for April, May, June 2021 are due

March 15, 2021 – Pitches for July, August, September 2021 are due

June 15th, 2021 – Pitches for October, November, and December 2021 are due

What criteria is required?

Anyone and any organization can organize a Collaboratory, but we require the location to be hosted in one of our three target geographies in California: Fresno, Oakland, and San Francisco.

How are collaboratories funded? If I pitch a collaboratory, do I need to find funding sources?

Collaboratories have a budget of $1200 provided by the UCSF Preterm Birth Initiative to cover basic costs of set up and catering. When possible, we aim to build partnerships with sponsors and spaces that can provide resources such as space, food, or travel funds. In special cases, we can consider additional funding.

What makes a great Collaboratory? What makes a pitch attractive?

The most popular Collaboratories are lay-friendly and have broad appeal to a wide variety of audiences. We encourage creativity with session formats as we strive to boost attendee engagement and inspire innovative ideas. Although we are an organization focused on reducing prematurity and welcome a focus on preterm birth, we have hosted a wide variety of topics including the following: fatherhood, abuse, breastfeeding, legislation and policy, placental research, doula care, black/white disparities, respectful care, alcohol and drugs, NICU programs, housing, digital technology, criminalization of pregnant women. As an organization tackling prematurity with racism as a root cause, we aim to highlight this throughout all of our Collaboratories.

How will I know if my pitch has been accepted?

We will contact you within 3 weeks after the applicable deadline if your pitch has been accepted or not. If you have not heard back from us after that time period, please follow up by emailing [email protected].

What happens after my pitch is accepted?

You will work with our Collaboratory team on a couple of planning calls to create the session. This includes our Events Coordinator, Communications Associate, and Community Engagement Specialist.  We will provide resources for event design and logistics, outreach and messaging, and community expertise.

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News from our Collaboratories

Events