Center for Quantitative Biology: A focus on "omics", from organisms to single cells

Center for Quantitative Biology: A focus on "omics", from organisms to single cells PROJECT SUMMARY High-throughput single-cell, spatial, and immune-cell -omic profiling technologies provide a wealth of data to interrogate basic biological processes, changes in cellular processes, and the molecular basis of disease. When combined with genomic data science, these fields are opening new frontiers in biology. Phase 1 established the Center for Quantitative Biology (CQB) with the goal to support and enhance NIH-funded quantitative biological research at Dartmouth and to facilitate integration of single-cell -omic technologies with cutting-edge computational methods. The success of the CQB in Phase 1 is highlighted by the graduation of four Research Project Leaders (RPLs), the onboarding of four new RPLs, and the hiring of seven new tenure-track faculty in CQB focus areas. The IDeA program investment in CQB RPLs and research cores returned >$60 million in total external funding, leveraging NIH funds 5:1. Phase 2 will build on the successes of Phase 1 by mentoring the next generation of CQB COBRE RPLs, continuing growth of research cores, and enabling scientists to engage in cutting-edge scientific inquiry. The CQB will continue to draw upon faculty from Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine, the Thayer School of Engineering, Arts & Sciences, and Dartmouth Health. Through its emphasis on next-generation data, the CQB will synergize genomic data science with ongoing experimental genomic initiatives across campus, a goal accomplished via four specific areas: 1) Enhance the research competitiveness of junior faculty in genomic data science and experimental genomics by providing a research environment that supports and enhances their projects. 2) Expand the breadth and impact of research from NIH-funded quantitative biologists at Dartmouth by: (a) continuing to recruit talented quantitative biology faculty; (b) mentoring junior quantitative biologists; and (c) providing systems for translating single-cell dynamics to applications in human disease. 3) Develop, maintain, and leverage key shared resources to support faculty in the CQB, at Dartmouth, and in the IDeA community by growing the Single-Cell Genomics and Genomic Data Science Cores. 4) Create synergistic interactions between the dry-lab computational scientist and traditional experimental scientist to promote cross-talk, collaboration, and integrative analyses between the disciplines. Dartmouth continues to make a substantial institutional commitment to the success and long-term sustainability of the CQB, including the commitment to hiring five new tenure-track faculty. Institutional program enrichment funds will support research infrastructure, scientific exchange, and a pilot project program to foster a vibrant intellectual community, recruit new project leaders, and enhance the impact and funding competitiveness of all CQB members. With experienced leadership, efficient administrative structures, and a compelling vision, CQB has demonstrated a paradigm that interweaves computational and experimental early-stage translational research, allowing the CQB to grow its portfolio of extramurally-funded investigators and thrive as a nationally- recognized Center of Biomedical Research Excellence.