Collab Fertility’s Center for Lifestyle, Environmental Toxins, and Nutrition

Advancing fertility research for healthier families

CLEAN researches the impact of environmental toxins, lifestyle, and nutrition on reproductive health. By advancing science, education, and policy change, we improve fertility outcomes for patients and future generations.

Collab Fertility Journal
IVF Lab in Walnut Creek, San Francisco, Berkeley & Napa

MISSION

Pioneering fertility research

At CLEAN, our mission is to revolutionize fertility care through ground-breaking research, advocacy, and education. We explore the critical role environmental toxins, lifestyle factors, and nutrition play in reproductive health.

Our key pillars—research, advocacy, and education—drive our work to better understand and address the complex factors impacting fertility. Through rigorous scientific studies and community outreach, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions and advocate for systemic changes that protect reproductive health.

WHY CLEAN?

Protecting future generations

As industrial chemical production has surged in recent decades, so have rates of infertility, early puberty, preterm birth, and chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions. This is not a coincidence.

Growing evidence from the scientific community highlights the significant impact environmental toxins have on fertility, pregnancy, and fetal development. Preconception exposure to these toxins can affect not only the individual’s reproductive health but may also have lasting effects on future generations. At CLEAN, we are dedicated to understanding these connections and driving research that aims to mitigate these risks, ensuring healthier outcomes for families and future generations.

IVF Lab in Walnut Creek, San Francisco, Berkeley & Napa

GRANTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Funding innovation in reproduction

At CLEAN, we are committed to advancing research in fertility and reproductive health. To support this mission, we offer two $10,000 pilot awards to Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) fellows investigating the impact of environmental toxins, lifestyle factors, and nutrition on fertility. These grants aim to foster groundbreaking studies that can lead to meaningful advancements in reproductive health care.

IVF Lab in Walnut Creek, San Francisco, Berkeley & Napa
NOW OPEN
Grant
Applications
16
MAY
4PM, PST
Application Deadline
15
JUNE
Grant Awards
Announcement
01
JULY
Research
Start Date
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Our application process will be opening soon! Submit your inquiry to stay informed, and we’ll notify you as soon as applications are open.
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Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are physicians in the first or second year of an ACGME-accredited REI fellowship. Applicants must demonstrate a strong career goal within the field of Reproductive Medicine.

What types of research are supported?

Projects exploring the impact of environmental toxins, nutrition, and lifestyle on fertility, pregnancy, and fetal development are prioritized. Our focus includes advancing research on toxins and fertility, especially as it relates to outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and reproductive health more broadly.

Areas of interest include but are not limited to:

  • Impact of wildfire, air pollution and climate change on ART outcomes
  • Intervention studies showing how diet may impact semen parameters and ART outcomes
  • Identification of supplements that may improve reproductive conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis, validating observations with robust studies
  • In vivo or in vitro mechanistic studies that identify pathways disrupted by environmental exposures
  • Interactions between genetics and EDC exposures in reproductive diseases, such as infertility, fibroids and/or endometriosis
  • New technologies for monitoring exposures or their effects
  • Interventions for mitigating the effects of exposures
  • The intersections between health, climate change and environmental justice
  • Establishing in vitro and computational approaches to identify new hazardous chemicals and chemical risk assessment

This award aims to support continued growth and exploration in this field. The pilot study can establish a proof of concept and generate preliminary data for future funding opportunities. All applications will be reviewed and scored by our scientific advisory board. A report will be required at the end of funding, identifying any resulting publications or products and subsequent funding obtained to support future extended or expanded studies. Any resulting publications, presentations, or products must directly acknowledge funding from Collab Fertility’s CLEAN program.  

What is the duration of the grant?

The pilot awards support research projects for up to one year.

How are applications evaluated?

All applications will be reviewed and scored by our scientific advisory board. Finalists will be asked to present a brief overview of their proposal. Funding decisions are based on several factors – relevance, innovation, and scientific review score; alignment of proposal to the Center’s priorities; and conformity to stated guidelines. 

Where can I find more details on the application process?

Our application process will be opening soon! Scroll down to 'How to apply' below and submit your inquiry in the form. We’ll notify you as soon as applications are open.

RESEARCH FOCUS

Bridging science and practice

At CLEAN, we are committed to advancing fertility care through science and innovation. We focus on understanding how environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and emerging health challenges impact reproductive health.

We aim to bridge the gap between science and clinical practice through cutting-edge research, empowering individuals with knowledge and improving fertility treatments.

Environmental toxins and fertility
Investigating the effects of plastic versus glass materials in IVF labs and their influence on embryo development.
Lifestyle and nutrition
Exploring how diet, exercise, and daily habits shape fertility outcomes and overall reproductive wellness.
Protecting vulnerable popoulations
Addressing the reproductive health risks posed by environmental crises, such as wildfires, to ensure safer outcomes for individuals and families.

ADVISORY BOARD

World-renowned experts

Collab’s Advisory Board is made up of leading reproductive health, environmental science, and epidemiology experts. Their collective expertise guides our mission to advance fertility care through groundbreaking research and innovation.
Collab Fertility
Shanna Swan, PhD
Professor of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, UCSF Earth Center

Author of Count Down, and a renowned environmental scientist whose pioneering work explores the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on reproductive health.

Collab Fertility
Audrey Gaskins, ScD
Associate Professor, Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University

A reproductive epidemiologist investigating how lifestyle, 
diet, and environmental factors influence fertility and 
pregnancy success.

Collab Fertility
Amy Padula, PhD, MSc
Associate Professor, UCSF Clinical Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences

An epidemiologist specializing in environmental exposures and reproductive health, Dr. Padula’s research focuses on how air pollution and wildfires impact fertility outcomes.

Collab Fertility
Jorge E. Chavarro
Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Author of The Fertility Diet, and an epidemiologist investigating how nutritional and lifestyle factors shape reproductive health, key life milestones, and their long-term effects on overall well-being.

Collab Fertility
Thalia Segal, MD
Medical Director & Founder of Collab Fertility

Double board-certified in reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Segal is dedicated to integrating wellness and scientific innovation into fertility care.

PARTNERSHIPS & ADVOCACY

Collaborating to advance policy for a healthier future

At the research center we are committed to driving meaningful change through strategic partnerships and advocacy initiatives. We collaborate with leading organizations to advance fertility research, influence policy, and promote reproductive health.

IVF Lab in Walnut Creek, San Francisco, Berkeley & Napa
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Advocacy efforts

We believe in using science to inform policy and protect reproductive health. One of our key initiatives includes advocating for Air Quality Index (AQI) guidelines for pregnant women during wildfires, ensuring safer environments for expectant parents. Through research-driven recommendations, we aim to shape policies that prioritize fertility and pregnancy wellness.

people with a flag illustration

Join our mission to protect reproductive health

We are always looking to expand our network of partners and advocates. If you’re interested in collaborating with us to advance fertility research and policy, get in touch today! Email us at research@collabfertility.com

How to apply for a grant

Our application process will be opening soon! Submit your inquiry to stay informed, and we’ll notify you as soon as applications are open.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Review eligibility requirements

Ensure your research aligns with our focus areas. Coming soon!

Prepare Your Proposal

Follow the guidelines outlined in our application instructions (coming soon!)

Complete the Application Form

Provide all necessary details and supporting documents.

Submit your application

Upload your materials via our online portal by the deadline.

Await review & notification

Applications will be reviewed, and selected recipients will be notified. Timeline coming soon!

Application deadline
May 16, 4 PM PST
Research start date
July 1, 2025
apply now

Need any help?

For any questions, feel free to reach out to
research@collabfertility.com