P³G Cores are key working units focused on specific areas of research in genomics and biobanking. They work and are financed independently from P³G. They have full-time personnel with expertise on specific issues related to the harmonization of biobanks and population-based studies such as (but not exclusive to):

• Methodologies for integrating data
• New technologies for biochemical analyses and genotyping
• Research into public participation
• Governance and ethics, and legal issues
• Health systems research, international policymaking
• Analysis methods in population genetics related to merging data collected by biobanks
• Using different study designs

For a complete list of the P³G Cores go to The Observatory list of Cores.

P³G Cores interact with and respond to the needs of P³G via the P³G International Working Groups. Core leaders present their results at P³G meetings and, when appropriate, contribute to other relevant P³G activities. They also undertake to collaborate with the Director of the P³G Observatory to promote dissemination of their work.

The Rights of Authorship and Intellectual Property remain with the Core research team. However, in accordance with P³G's commitment to information sharing and international collaboration, research tools and other results are shared with P³G members and the larger scientific community on the P³G Observatory.

The international P³G community offers a number of benefits to its Cores such as:

• Participation in P³G meetings
• P³G recognition in grant applications and support by the IWG for applications, where appropriate
• Scientific access to and input from international leaders in the field
• Rapid and easy dissemination of results to a broad community through the P³G Observatory

Cores can either volunteer their expertise by approaching P³G with a concept, or answer a Request for Proposals (RFP). RFPs are issued by P³G following a recommendation by the Steering Committee or an International Working Group (IWG).

Applicants should explain their objectives, methodologies, deliverables, networking plans with P³G, sources of funding (secured or applied), and how the contribution of the Core fits with the P³G mission, objectives and current needs. Core Applications should be completed and submitted by the Lead Applicant to the P³G Secretariat.

Applications are reviewed by IWG leaders and the Steering Committee leader, and evaluated at P³G Board meetings.

• Relevance to P³G
• Alignment with P³G scientific objectives
• Feasibility of the proposal
• Level of expertise
• Timeline and deliverables
• Expressed willingness to share tools and results, and
• Availability of external funding (secured or applied)

In determining the eligibility of a new Core applicant, the Board may also consider the benefits of diverse perspectives and representation from countries around the world that can benefit the broader P³G community.

Core leaders must also be individual members of P³G.

Core Leaders will be expected to submit an annual report describing their scientific contribution (or progress) to the P³G project.

Cores are expected to find independent funding. However P³G will consider applications not yet funded but which can demonstrate a realistic opportunity for funding within the next year.

Once a strategic sector has been identified by the Steering Committee or through the needs expressed by IWG members, a Request for Proposals (RFP) will be launched. Other RFPs may be launched to stimulate applications from new Cores and/or the development of new sectors within P³G. Would-be applicants are encouraged to approach P³G directly with proposals.

When RFPs are initiated, they are (a) sent to all P³G members and (b) posted to our website under the New Section. Applicants are invited to complete the P³G Core application form. Cores are responsible for obtaining independent ethics reviews of their projects and submitting a letter of ethics approval with their application where applicable.