Administrative Core

ABSTRACT Administrative (ADMIN) Core Cognitive Neuroscience of Development and Aging (CoNDA) Center The Administrative (ADMIN) Core of the Cognitive Neuroscience of Development and Aging (CoNDA) Center plays a pivotal role in leading, implementing, and supporting the Center's key activities. These activities include establishing essential infrastructure for (1) studying neurocognition in human subjects using neuroimaging approaches, and (2) using preclinical models to study neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders using imaging and behavioral assessment. The mission of the ADMIN Core is to continue to provide effective organizational structure and a coordinated administrative framework to guarantee optimal management, utilization, evaluation, and oversight of this COBRE in Phase II. This infrastructure developed during Phase I facilitates the Center's goal to provide mentoring to promising new investigators dedicated to advancing innovative approaches for neurological disease treatment. The specific aims of the ADMIN Core are to: 1) provide effective administrative and programmatic leadership for the CoNDA Center, 2) grow the critical mass of investigators conducting neuroscience research and provide integrated training and mentoring infrastructure, and 3) implement an evaluation plan for all components of the CoNDA Center. The ADMIN Core offers organizational and programmatic leadership to ensure the CoNDA operates efficiently to achieve its goals and remains responsive to emerging research opportunities, enhancing overall effectiveness. ADMIN Core coordinates a faculty development plan, including a Research Project Program and Pilot Grant Program, designed to expedite the transition of accomplished Research Project Leaders (RPL) to independence. Ongoing implementation of Center-wide initiatives, such as monthly Research Development Forum, an annual colloquium, and support for external seminar speakers, fosters a collaborative research environment. This approach not only promotes the CoNDA on the national stage but also supports the development of Team Science approach of multi-investigator grants. Additionally, it provides support to research programs and scientific cores, aiding in providing state-of-the-art tools for neuroimaging and behavioral assessment while offering guidance in experimental design and data analysis.