The University of Vermont (UVM) is an Institution of Emerging Excellence that serves a highly rural region. It is also the only research-intensive institution in the state of Vermont, an IDeA state. We propose to use NIH C06 funding to co-locate five of our leading laboratory-based, shared resource cores to create the Center for Biomedical Shared Resources (CBSR), within the new Firestone Medical Research Building. Participating cores include Integrative Genomics, the Vermont Genetics Network (VGN, INBRE), Flow Cytometry/Cell Sorting, Microscopy Imaging, and Mass Spectrometry. The proposed CBSR will comprise 10,319 net square feet (14,450 gross square feet), and will encompass the first floor of the new Firestone Medical Research Building. The UVM Board of Trustees formally approved construction of the Firestone Medical Research Building on January 31, 2020. Groundbreaking is slated for April 30, 2020 with a two-year completion timeline. We are already making very significant investments to support our cores, but they remain in inflexible, compartmentalized spaces scattered across campus. C06 funding for the CBSR provides a unique opportunity to co-locate these cores in a centralized location on the Larner College of Medicine (LCOM) campus. Further, the proposed modular design promotes dynamic, team-science research collaboration through shared write up, computation, bench, equipment, and instrumentation rooms. Like many other institutions, we face the challenge of long-term sustainability of our shared resource cores. This initiative will enhance long-term sustainability through efficiencies of scale, improved access, sound fiscal management, cross training of personnel, and sharing of resources. We will specifically use this opportunity to reduce duplication of services among several cores. We will implement a pilot-tested and sustainable business model for the CBSR with a shared business manager and common procedures for marketing, scheduling, billing, and service tracking. While not part of our C06 funding request, our long-term plan is to also integrate our Bioinformatics Team and Biomedical Statistics Core into CBSR administration and services. They will relocate to data science facilities planned for the adjacent Given Building once the Firestone Building is completed. The CBSR will support biomedical research programs and trainees at UVM, as well as advance regional and national collaborations. Our cores provide services to institutions across northern New England, and support large, regional research programs. The successful integration of our shared resource cores into a new facility will support continued growth in biomedical research spanning our institution and region for years to come.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Office of The Director, National Institutes of Health (OD)
Type
Research Facilities Construction Grant (C06)
Project #
1C06OD030087-01
Application #
10126330
Study Section
Scientific and Technical Review Board on Biomedical and Behavioral Research Facilities (STOD)
Program Officer
Klosek, Malgorzata
Project Start
2020-09-15
Project End
2025-05-31
Budget Start
2020-09-15
Budget End
2025-05-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2020
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
066811191
City
Burlington
State
VT
Country
United States
Zip Code
05405