The Center for Truth in Science is requesting applications from qualified researchers to perform a systematic review of studies examining the relationship between myeloid leukemia and other lymphohematopoietic cancers, and exposure to inhaled formaldehyde.

Interested parties can access the request for proposal (RFP) here. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 1, 2023. The purpose of this work is to:

  • Assess the strength of the research on this subject to date
  • Determine the extent to which scientific evidence demonstrates a clear causal link between exposure to inhaled formaldehyde and increased risk for developing LHP cancers, including myeloid leukemia
  • Apply accepted state-of-the-art systematic review methods to determine what can be scientifically concluded and supported from the highest quality existing studies
  • Determine reasons for conflicting or contradictory findings among existing studies
  • Develop recommendations for additional research that can improve the accuracy and reliability of findings in this area

Interested parties can click here for more information and to apply.

About the Center for Truth in Science

The Center for Truth in Science, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is on a mission to examine the quality of evidence on issues at the intersection of science, justice, and the economy.

To advance knowledge and bring clarity to timely scientific issues, the Center awards grants to well-credentialed and respected independent researchers from around the world who perform systematic reviews of existing studies, as well as conduct original research on emerging issues.

Below are the projects we have funded in the past, all of which have been accepted for peer-reviewed publication:

  • March 2022: Meta-analyses of glyphosate and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma performed by SciPinion and published in the Journal of Toxicology and Risk Assessment. Abstract was accepted for a poster presentation at the 2022 Society of Toxicology meeting.
  • May 2022: Critical review of PFAS performed by the University of Rovira i Virgili in Catalonia and published in Environmental Research. A first presentation on the findings took place at the Florous Global Conference on PFAS in October 2021, including a poster and an oral presentation.
  • September 2022: Systematic review of the evidence on ethylene oxide as a human carcinogen performed by Cardno ChemRisk and published in Chemico-Biological Interactions. Abstract was accepted for a poster presentation at the 2022 Society of Toxicology meeting.
  • October 2022: Systematic review of the evidence of the pulmonary carcinogenicity of talc performed by Cardno ChemRisk and published in the journal, Frontiers in Public Health.

These review papers use rigorous guidelines and established protocols provide clear answers to difficult questions: What do we really know about the risk of a given exposure? Are there gaps in evidence? Is more research needed, and if so, what type?

Our Grant Process

To evaluate past proposals and research teams, an independent contractor who retired from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) assembled a highly qualified team of independent peer reviewers, including primarily senior faculty in schools of public health, medicine, and toxicology, and some advanced level toxicologists, risk analysts, and epidemiologists working for independent private consulting firms.

There were no reviewers working in private manufacturing or industry. The evaluation process followed standard requirements of NIH peer review, including the signing of conflict of interest statements and closed independent review meetings which allowed no input from Center staff. The panel of reviewers included many scientists who had experience serving on NIH reviews.

After review and scoring, proposals were chosen by the Center based on the highest scores and reviewer comments. Once grants were awarded, the Center had no influence on the direction and work of the scientists as they performed the reviews, and was not involved in any way in writing and preparing the resulting manuscripts or choosing where to submit them.

Grants are managed by Margaret (Peggy) Murray, Ph.D., the research director of the Center for Truth in Science. Dr. Murray ensures all projects meet the highest standard of scientific integrity and are conducted in line with the methods and protocols specified in the grant proposals.

We are proud to support talented researchers to deliver objective, unbiased findings to address some of the most complex and contentious scientific questions facing the world today.

Interested parties can click here for more information and to apply.