FMIP COBRE Administrative Core

Project Summary/Abstract The University of Louisville (UoL) COBRE in Functional Microbiomics, Inflammation and Pathogenicity (FMIP) comprises a multidisciplinary group of investigators addressing thematic aspects that span the human microbiome, host inflammatory responses and disease outcomes. The purpose of the Administrative Core is to provide a formal governance structure for the administrative, fiscal and scientific oversight of this Phase 2 COBRE. Following on from the success of Phase 1, we are well-positioned to transition to Phase 2 and maintain a coordinated and efficient administrative structure. The departments of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases (OIID), and Microbiology and Immunology (M&I), are the main contributors to the cross-disciplinary nature of the program. These units have established records of federal funding, mentoring junior faculty, graduate student training, and collaborative interactions across campus. We will continue mutually supportive horizontal interactions with other NIH-funded programs at UoL including the Hepatobiology and Toxicology COBRE, and the KY-INBRE, which will enhance the overall research profile of UoL. The activities of the COBRE will help recruit, retain and diversify the faculty. The application is led by well-qualified and well-funded Center Directors. Governance and evaluation are supported by an Internal Advisory Committee (IAC), and an External Advisory Committee (EAC) comprised of five international experts in the thematic area of research. There are three outstanding Research Project Leaders (RPLs) with senior, established, funded mentoring teams with a track record in developing the careers of junior faculty through to independent funding status and further career devlopment. We have developed comprehensive mentoring and career development plans with milestones and evaluative metrics. Similarly, mentors and the COBRE program are evaluated formatively and summatively. We have a strong commitment of support from the UoL which will ensure sustainability beyond the NIH-funded period. The Specific Aims are: to provide the formal governance structure which allows coordination, direction and prioritization of all activities, including budget issues, thus ensuring the quality of all functions and growth of research goals; to administer the process for mentoring and career development of junior faculty and accelerate their transition to independence; coordination of the evaluative processes of the COBRE by the IAC and EAC; budget management including budget reconciliation, and preparing and submitting RPPRs and FFRs; resolution of any conflicts as they arise; management of mechanisms to replace RPLs as they become independent and replacement other key personnel as necessary; administration of the Pilot Program to help maintain a pipeline of investigators; coordination of institutional support; support of clinical, translational and commercialization potential of research projects; provision of biostatistical support; to disseminate pertinent information resulting from the COBRE activities; and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines. All projects and cores will utilize the Administrative Core.