Administrative Core

The Administrative Core (AC) of the District of Columbia Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (DC-IDDRC) provides leadership and coordinates all DC-IDDRC activities at the four partnering institutions: Children's National Hospital (CNH), George Washington University (GWU), Georgetown University Medical Center (GU) and Howard University (HU). This core plays a crucial role to ensure that our DC-IDDRC is an efficient, effective, cohesive and integrated interdisciplinary program for the advancement of IDDR. The primary objectives of the AC are to provide: (a) Overall vision, strategic planning and direction of the DC- IDDRC and supervision, integration and management of the research cores; (b) Educational and training programs; (c) A home for the IDDR community (“centeredness”) at each of the member institutions by bringing together a diverse group of investigators; (d) Dissemination of new knowledge; (e) Advocacy and engagement with philanthropic agencies/foundations, governmental agencies and patient advocacy groups to enhance support for IDDR; (f) Collaborations with other IDDRCs within the Network. Our specific aims to reach these goals include: (a) assure that all DC-IDDRC investigators have access to state-of-the art, high quality, cost- effective research core support; (b) promote integration of basic/applied, translational and clinical investigation; (c) closely monitor effectiveness, cost/charge backs and needs for support of research cores; (d) ensure quality control, coordination and integration of services between cores; (e) evaluate and develop new technology required by DC-IDDRC investigators; (f) enhance visibility of core laboratory services to our research community and potential users, and promote recruitment of new investigators at DC-IDDRC institutions; (g) assist DC-IDDRC investigators in familiarizing themselves with core functions; and (h) provide leadership and be an active participant in the national IDDRC Network. The DC-IDDRC educational goals include: (a) supporting DC-IDDRC seminars and related lecture series; (b) attract and recruit outstanding junior investigators to IDD-related research programs through training grants and fellowships that are specifically targeted to this cohort; and attract/recruit senior investigators into IDDR; (c) disseminate and communicate DC- IDDRC research findings; and (d) support/promote the overall goals of the DC-IDDRC and of the IDDRC Network through networking and advocacy. In summary, the AC will play a pivotal role in future development and expansion of the DC-IDDRC through Administration, Research, Education and Training, Advocacy, and Dissemination.