Research Center in Minority Institutions (RCMI) at City College

ABSTRACT The overall goal of the new RCMI at the City College of New York (CCNY) is to create an integrated multi-tiered center, the NYCenter for Advancing Translational Research and Health (NYCenter). This proposal is founded on the historic commitment of CUNY MED and CCNY to the Harlem community. Located in Harlem and led by CUNY MED, the new RCMI collaborates with CCNY’s Division of Science, the Colin Powell School for Civic & Global Leadership, and the Grove School of Engineering. It spans basic biomedical, behavioral, social science, and clinical research. It further develops and strengthens research infrastructure, improves the quality of science, and enhances the preparation and capacity of early-stage investigators (ESI) to conduct state-of-the-art health disparities research while creating strategic communications and implementing a dissemination plan focused on NYC communities where health disparities (HD) exist and persist. The specific aims and key activities for the Overall Core are to: Aim-1 Support three outstanding R01-level research projects centered on health disparities: • A basic science proposal focused on end-stage kidney disease, which affects populations such as African-Americans and Latinos, among others • A behavioral science project focused on mental health and stigma in adolescents • A clinical project focused on understanding clinical trial participation and recruitment parameters of Hispanics and others with Parkinson’s Disease Aim-2 Create a Research Capacity Core (RCC) to strengthen CUNY MED and CCNY’s research capacity by expanding access and training in molecular biology/genomics technologies, access to a biostatistics, epidemiology, and research design core, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data and computational science to study health disparities. Aim-3 Create and administer an Investigator Development Core (IDC) led by experienced mentors to develop faculty, award pilot projects, and enhance training activities for ESI and faculty within an effective integrated mentoring program. Aim-4 Create a Community Engagement Core (CEC) focused on HD in NYC communities. Aim-5 Create a Recruitment Core (RC) to increase the critical mass of senior-level health disparities investigators. Aim-6 Develop an Administrative Core (AC) that integrates and aligns institutional and Center goals and evaluates and supports the NYCenter’s scientific advancement.