The University of Idaho will continue the IDeA INBRE Program by sponsoring statewide biomedical research at the BS/MS-granting institutions and two- and four-year colleges. With previous funding an unprecedented Network of research and educational collaborations among ten institutions in Idaho has been built. Successes include a doubling in the number of undergraduates pursing science and health-related careers (~1600 in 2004 to >3000 in 2008) and a >20-fold return on an eight year, ~$1.2 million seed grant investment that resulted in 65 extramural applications and over $26 million in new awards. The renewal proposes to continue/enhance successful programs to catalyze Idaho's transformation to competitiveness through core laboratory facilities, support services, faculty research, student educational and research opportunities, and community outreach. Also, prospects for collaboration across the Western IDeA region and with a CTSA are proposed. """"""""Sustainability"""""""" strategies and institutional commitments are in place to carry on the fundamental support for research infrastructure and biomedical research opportunities when the INBRE Program sunsets. The proposal has Five Specific Aims: 1. To strengthen Idaho's biomedical research infrastructure and expertise by building on the established INBRE network with the scientific theme of """"""""Cell Signaling"""""""";2. To provide support to Idaho faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students to increase the research base and capacity;3. To provide research opportunities to Idaho undergraduate students and serve as a pipeline for these students to continue in health research careers;4. To enhance the science and technology knowledge of Idaho's workforce;and 5. To expand Idaho research opportunities across the Western IDeA Region.
The Aims will be met with an Administrative Core and Statewide Steering Committee that bring talented leaders representing all institutions together to guide the Network;an External Advisory Committee with expertise in """"""""Cell Signaling"""""""", sustaining productive research programs, and higher education;and a Bioinformatics Core. Opportunities for faculty research at various participation levels will result in numerous intra- and inter-institution collaborations. Research faculty will be held to productivity standards and much emphasis will be placed on mentoring so that the best environment will be created for individuals to meet their goals. Finally, opportunities for students to participate in biomedical research will include undergraduate 2-week immersion labs, 10-week summer fellowships, academic year research, graduate student stipends, post-doctoral fellowships;and activities for K-12 science education.
The INBRE Program has profoundly affected biomedical research at every level and in all regions of Idaho. Its continuation will stimulate research at educational institutions, provide state-of-the-art research facilities, and improve the caliber of scientific faculty. These activities impact public health by enhancing Idaho's competitiveness for research funds and by preparing the next generation of scientists. INBRE creates an environment for Idahoans with the talent and desire to solve health problems through research, to do so.
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