This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Delaware INBRE Annual Progress Report (APR) 2006 Grant No. 2P20RR016472-2006 Administrative Core Report Core Objective: The Administrative Core provides statewide leadership and coordination of the program activities among the partner institutions. Dr. David S. Weir, INBRE PI and Dr. Karl V. Steiner, INBRE Administrative Director, who are also Director and Associate Director of the Delaware Biotechnology Institute (DBI), lead the Delaware INBRE Administrative Core. Accomplishments of the Administrative Core in Year 2 include: 1) Transitioned from the infrastructure-building focus of BRIN to a research focus in INBRE, and completed a second year of mentored biomedical research projects at the University of Delaware (UD), Delaware State University, the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center of Christiana Care Health Systems and Nemours Hospital for Children. Continued to develop a healthy, constructive partnership of equals among the participating institutions. 2) Participated in the formation of a Center for Translational Cancer Research as part of an initiative to develop a medical research capability in Delaware, involving DBI and the Department of Biological Sciences at UD, Nemours Hospital for Children, and the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center at Christiana Care, the State s largest health care provider. Delaware INBRE faculty are leading a translational research working group of scientists and physicians which now meets at six-month intervals for research updates on translational research in cancer. The group now includes Delaware researchers as well as regional researchers, from Philadelphia s Kimmel Cancer Center (Jefferson Medical College) and Fox Chase Cancer Center. Negotiations are underway to include translational research in the cardiovascular area. Parallel negotiations are underway with Thomas Jefferson University, Delaware s medical school, to develop virtual-reality based education and training programs for medical students and physicians. 3) Solicited a second round of INBRE research proposals, with a more targeted focus on basic and translational research in cancer. The Research Committee and the External Advisory Board have approved thirteen new projects that begin in June 2006. 4) Developed a substantial evaluation process involving a bi-annual site visit by AAAS, an internal evaluation process conducted by the University of Delaware Education Research and Development Center, and regular briefings to the Delaware INBRE External Advisory Board. Development of an online user interface and evaluation database is underway. Initial output of the evaluation process has resulted in reallocation of funding from a non-performing program. 5) Continued to develop the capability and evaluate effectiveness of instrumentation cores. For example, bioinformatics infrastructure funded jointly by INBRE/COBRE has supported groundbreaking work in small RNAs at the University of Delaware. Microarray has been de-emphasized, and has been incorporated into a multipurpose core containing microarray, sequencing and protein production. 6) Influenced an increase in the role of research in the UD School of Nursing, with students involved in faculty research projects, and the launch of a new course, NURS362, Research Concepts in Nursing. 7) Continued the pilot phase of a new double-listed course at the University of Delaware, Chemistry and Biochemistry/Chemical Engineering 467. The course, entitled Biochemistry and Biotechnology Laboratory is aimed at preparing undergraduates with laboratory skills necessary to participate in research in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and chemical engineering. 8) Involved a cohort of 23 undergraduates in biomedically-relevant research projects through the summer undergraduate internship program. Emphasis continues to involve a diverse student group. The 2005 group included 60% women and 30% underrepresented students, and involved more than 30 faculty members at all Delaware INBRE partner institutions. 9) Provided guidance and leadership to the INBRE participants toward successful implementation of program goals. Assured that program objectives of all six INBRE Cores are met. Coordinated and oversaw financial and program management. 10) Contributed to the increase in NIH funding to the State of Delaware - from $14.9 Million in 2000 to $26.5 Million in 2005.
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