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
apply now

Application process opening soon!

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. All sources of funding must be disclosed by the awardee.

What types of research are supported?

Projects exploring the impact of environmental toxins, nutrition, and lifestyle on fertility, pregnancy, and fetal development are prioritized. See more detailed list here

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 in early June 2025. 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?

More details coming soon!

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. Our key areas of study include:

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

Leading reproductive health, environmental science, and epidemiology experts compose Collab’s Advisory Board. 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 Countdown, 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 and 
diet 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 toxins 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.

“The reality is, we are facing a fertility crisis. But there is hope. By raising awerness, advocating for regulation, and helping individuals make informed choices, we can reverse these trends”

Shanna Swan PhD

Author of Count Down: How Our Modern World Is... Imperiling the Future of the Human Race

Our advisory board plays a crucial role in shaping our research initiatives and ensuring that our work remains at the forefront of fertility science.

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!
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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