Administrative Core

Modified Project Summary/Abstract Section The Disability Health Promotion Research Center (DHPRC), a medical rehabilitation research center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), aims to enhance health outcomes and quality of life for individuals with disabilities through innovative health promotion and prevention of secondary conditions. The Administrative Core (AC) is the central hub of the DHPRC, coordinating and integrating the center’s components to foster a collaborative research environment. Directed by Dr. James H. Rimmer, the AC oversees the DHPRC’s operational, fiscal, and reporting functions. The leadership team includes Associate Director Dr. Yuying Chen, managing pilot programs and scientific enrichment activities, and Assistant Director Dr. Jereme Wilroy, supporting day-to-day management and strategic development. The AC's mission includes providing an effective organizational structure and centralized support to enhance the center’s efficiency. It will establish performance metrics to ensure adaptability to evolving research needs and regulatory requirements. The AC will drive innovative health promotion and secondary condition prevention (HP/SCP) research through transdisciplinary collaboration, innovative approaches. A key component of the AC's strategy is the national pilot and feasibility (P&F) program, providing structured support for early-stage investigators and those new to rehabilitation research. The AC will also host regular scientific seminars, career development initiatives, and collaborative opportunities. Additionally, the AC will ensure efficient allocation and monitoring of DHPRC resources through a comprehensive management plan and robust monitoring tools. The AC will ensure compliance with NIH policies and facilitate effective communication with NIH program officials and stakeholders through structured reporting, compliance training, and transparent communication channels. It will coordinate interactions with the External Advisory Committee (EAC) and the Disability Advisory Board (DAB), providing strategic guidance and recommendations to align the center's activities with its goals. A rigorous evaluation system will continuously monitor the DHPRC's performance, ensuring operational efficiency and strategic impact. This structured approach to leadership, coordination, compliance, and communication ensures the DHPRC operates effectively, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. Ultimately, the DHPRC aims to reduce health disparities and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in the Deep South and beyond.