Administrative Core

Towards the overall theme of translating basic research into new treatments for skin disease, the goals of the Penn SBDRC are to promote multi-disciplinary, collaborative research among skin investigators; draw new investigators with new perspectives to skin research; foster an interactive, multi-disciplinary environment that cultivates the next generation of skin researchers; increase access to state-of-the-art approaches and resources for conducting rigorous skin research, and accelerate translation of research findings into innovative therapies for skin disease. In addition to providing state-of-the-art service offerings through 3 Resource Cores, the Penn SBDRC includes an Administrative Core, which unifies skin researchers across the University, the Philadelphia region and beyond. The Aims are: 1) To provide oversight and evaluation of the Penn SBDRC; 2): To coordinate, integrate, and communicate the activities of the Penn SBDRC. The Administrative Core provides administrative, logistical, regulatory, and financial support to the overall Center, the Resource Cores, and the Enrichment Programs. The SBDRC website and its underlying REDCap databases serve as the major platform for interacting with members, including ordering of Core services, tracking membership data, evaluating services and programs, tracking outcomes, and relaying announcements such as seminar and meeting notices. A biannual Newsletter is an additional tool for disseminating information and highlighting the research and achievements of SBDRC members. 3) To implement an Enrichment Program that enhances the scientific environment and supports the next generation of skin researchers. The SBDRC Enrichment Program is divided into four Sub-Cores representing individual objectives: (a) The Scientific Enrichment Sub-Core sponsors an Annual Scientific Symposium, seminars, and workshops. (b) The Community Outreach Sub-Core introduces Philadelphia high school students to the excitement of scientific research and dermatology through the Penn Academy of Skin Health (PASH), a Saturday academy and summer internship program. (c) The Mentoring Sub-Core promotes the career success and training of future skin investigators through structured mentoring for senior trainees and junior faculty. (d) The Seed Funding Sub-Core offers 2 different funding mechanisms that attract new investigators and foster the independence of junior investigators. *