Core A: Administrative Core

REVISED ABSTRACT – CORE A: ADMINISTRATIVE CORE The key functions of the Administrative Core (AC) are to: a) maximize the local, statewide and national impact of initiatives developed and implemented by the Michigan ADRC; b) enhance collaborations across the three partner universities comprising the consortium (University of Michigan, Wayne State University and Michigan State University) and with the NACC, NCRAD and outside investigators; c) provide sound oversight for fiscal and personnel matters; and d) ensure rigor, integrity and transparency in the research and activities supported by the center. The AC’s stable leadership ensures that the various research, training and outreach initiatives managed by the Cores will maintain synergy and connection to the Michigan ADRC’s central theme, which is to identify, understand and modulate the myriad non-β-amyloid factors that contribute to brain dysfunction and neurodegeneration in AD and related dementias. The AC will ensure a broadly supportive environment for all investigators, but particularly for junior investigators, with the goal of nurturing next- generation leaders. To have maximal effect as an ADRC, the AC will work closely with other centers and programs across the consortium that are engaged in age-related research, including the six NIA-funded centers that together comprise the UMAging Initiative. In six aims the AC will: 1) Leverage expert dementia resources and skills focused in each Core; 2) Maintain cohesive interplay across the Cores; 3) Sustain existing and build new local and regional partnerships; 4) Sustain existing and build further national partnerships; 5) Promote efforts to address racial and ethnic disparities in ADRD; and 6) Develop next-generation leaders through research and training opportunities. In its first cycle as an NIH-designated ADRC, the Michigan ADRC met its milestones due, in part, to a proactive AC that helped build key state-wide partnerships. Benefitting from close links to the many complementary NIA-funded programs on our campuses, the outstanding additional resources of all three universities, and continuing philanthropic success, the Michigan ADRC is well-positioned to further enrich innovative dementia research, outreach, and training efforts, both regionally and nationally.