Developmental Research Project Program

DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH PROJECT PROGRAM (DRPP) – Summary The objective of the Developmental Research Project Program (DRPP) of INBRE V is to provide catalytic support for biomedical investigators at multiple career stages at the primarily undergraduate institution (PUI) and community college (CC) partners. DRPP will build on the momentum of prior cycles by: (1) nurturing successful research programs at the INBRE partner PUI/CC that respect and respond to specific institutional culture, identity and mission; (2) implementing an effective, progressive suite of intramural granting mechanisms that not only support PUI and CC investigators, but engage them in a competitive peer-reviewed and meritorious awarding process; (3) strategically supporting promising, talented Junior Investigators (JIs) to build human capital and increase the technical sophistication for establishing deeply rooted research at INBRE partner PUI/CC. The strengths of the current INBRE IV cycle include the level of integration of DRPP investigators with priority INBRE activities such as undergraduate research and the program’s ongoing support of core facilities that enhance research sophistication at the PUI/CC through brokered access to cores at the Research 1 (R1) home institution. In addition, an individualized approach to mentoring and grants development assistance has effectively encompassed PUI/CC professional development. The INBRE V DRPP reflects a commitment to the continuity of these efforts, which is additionally informed by a gap analysis executed during proposal development. This sets the stage for opportunities for DRPP to advance in the following areas: Opportunity 1: Systematize and formalize INBRE PUI/CC investigator professional development activities into a program informed by best practices in layered mentoring, Individualized Development Plans and Communities of Practice, and includes upskilling in critical areas such as data science; Opportunity 2: Extend and deepen INBRE PUI/CC investigator access and utilization of core equipment and facilities across the broader INBRE network; Opportunity 3: Foster intentional development of research partnerships between PUI/CC and R1 investigators; and Opportunity 4: Support increased connectivity between developmental research projects, undergraduate research training and inquiry-based pedagogy. In INBRE V we will continue and expand the work of the DRPP through three Specific Aims: Specific Aim 1. Implement the INBRE Catalyst Developmental Research Funding Program. Specific Aim 2. Implement the INBRE Professional Development Program. Specific Aim 3. Implement the INBRE Core Resources program.