Administrative Core

Summary The overall mission of the San Diego Digestive Diseases Research Center (SDDRC) is to foster basic, translational and clinical research to improve the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases of the liver and digestive tract. The SDDRC provides a range of technical services to the research labs of its members drawn from three preeminent academic institutions in the San Diego, and supports pilot/feasibility and enrichment programs. To achieve its mission, the Center is supported by an Administrative Core for the effective overall management, smooth coordination and diligent supervision of the diverse Center activities. The Administrative Core, mandated by NIH guidelines, plays an indispensable role in ensuring the success of the Center and its members by performing the following functions: a) Coordination of center components and staffing, b) Membership determination and privileges, c) Organization of Executive and Advisory Committees, d) Administration of Pilot/Feasibility Program, e) Organization of Enrichment Program events, f) Fiscal oversight, g) Record keeping, h) Dispute resolution, i) Communication with Center membership, j) Maintenance of Center website, and k) Interactions with other Cores, Centers and NIDDK. The Center and Administrative Core are led by two experienced Co-Directors, Dr. Bernd Schnabl and Dr. Lars Eckmann. The routine administrative functions of the Core are executed by a dedicated full-time Center coordinator with the support of an administrative assistant. The Center Co-Directors are supported by an Executive Committee that includes the Directors and Co-Directors of the three Biomedical Research Cores. An Internal Advisory Board, comprised of two Center members from the consortium of Center-participating institutions and two experienced faculty from outside of the Center, provides advice and oversight. An External Advisory Board gives broader context to overall Center operations by meeting annually with the Center leadership to review progress and make recommendations on Center activities and pilot/feasibility grant applications. A Community Advocacy Board raises awareness about the needs of patients with diseases of the digestive tract. Support from a Silvio O. Conte Digestive Diseases Research Core Center P30 award for an Administrative Core is critically important for the SDDRC to achieve its missions of promoting research to improve digestive health and lessen the burden of digestive diseases.