Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in Cardiovascular Health Administrative Core

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The goal of the University of Delaware Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in Cardiovascular Health is to continue to support multidisciplinary research aimed toward understanding the mechanisms underlying the causes and consequences of poor cardiovascular health and/or function, and developing effective interventions for these conditions. In Phase I, the center successfully developed the independent research careers of a cohort of investigators. We will foster the research careers of four new cardiovascular-focused investigators during Phase II. These investigators will be supported by a comprehensive mentoring and career development program, as well as infrastructure through the COBRE Research Core. These core resources along with a pilot program and new faculty hires will position the center for longer term sustainability. The overall goal of the COBRE administrative core is to maximize the productivity and impact of each of the projects, research core, and the center as a whole through effective management, mentoring and career development, evaluation, and expansion of the center. This will be accomplished by 1) developing effective management of administrative, fiscal, and scientific aspects of the center; 2) implementing an effective mentoring and career development plan; 3) monitoring the progress of the center toward milestones through the implementation of summative and formative evaluations; and 4) expanding the center through pilot grants to new investigators and recruitment of research faculty with expertise in cardiovascular health. The administrative core outlines a leadership plan that includes the PI, Associate Director, an Internal Advisory Committee, and an External Advisory Committee. Plans for graduating and replacing project leaders are also described.