Dr. Robert Califf has launched the People-Centered Research Foundation (PCRF), a new nonprofit organization committed to accelerating people-driven research. PCRF has been created to sustain and expand a national network for clinical research that originated with funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and studies conducted by the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network (PCORnet).

PCORnet was launched with substantial financial investment from PCORI. When PCORI approved the second phase of PCORnet investments, its Board of Governors stipulated that PCORnet partner networks develop a plan for long-term sustainability. Over the past several years, PCORnet has led the way to transform the culture of clinical research by creating a system driven by the shared needs of patients and people and those who care for them. PCRF is ensuring PCORnet’s vision and unprecedented work continue.

PCRF can respond more effectively and efficiently to the research needs of a variety of research funders and sponsors. PCRF will integrate people into all phases of research and the learning health system. Patients, participants, patient advocates and caregivers will constitute a meaningful percentage of the PCRF board; be involved in leadership roles in all committees; and participate in the development and execution of the research. PCRF will partner with all stakeholders in the clinical research enterprise to prioritize, design and conduct research, including patients, clinicians, health system leaders, representatives from the life sciences industry, patient advocacy groups, clinician professional organizations and the government.

Today, PCRF has a robust business plan in place, with seven members of what could grow to be a 13-member board, and plans to build a program management office that will be led by an executive director. Rob Califf will serve as chair of the board. Other board members include:

• Richard Bankowitz, M.D., MBA, FACP, executive vice president, Clinical Affairs, America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP)
• Josephine P. Briggs, M.D., director, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
• Marc M. Boutin, JD, chief executive officer, National Health Council (NHC)
• Donna Cryer, president & CEO of the Global Liver Institute
• Craig Lipset, MBA, head of Clinical Innovation, Worldwide Research & Development, Pfizer
• Joanne Waldstreicher, M.D., chief medical officer, Johnson & Johnson