The goal of the revised COBRE Center for Applied Immunology and Pathological Processes is to establish a nationally recognized advanced research and training program that facilitates the development of junior faculty research toward major independent research funding in the research intersections between the dysfunctioning of the immune response and disease pathogenesis. That is, we hope to grow Applied Immunology as a discipline on campus because of its importance as a basic science, clinical science and a translational science that can engage and synergize with all of the other centers on campus. Specifically, we hope to focus on the understanding of abnormal immune responses with disease pathogenesis, such that we provide a better understanding of how when the immune response is altered, immunopathology or disease development ensues. This focused research area is in line with our current expertise and with our new targeted junior faculty hiring plan (3 new tenure track faculty have been hired in 2019 that fit directly with the COBRE application; additional positions will open in 2020). In order to accomplish this goal, a multifaceted plan for research program development along with mentorship and training is required. The Administration Core A will implement and manage all COBRE program initiatives including establishing advanced research core facilities, establishing a mentorship program for junior faculty development, junior faculty development workshops, establishing External and Internal Advisory Committees along with a Senior Mentoring Committee, coordination with the External Research Specialists, establishing an annual scientific colloquium and formal evaluation procedures, and establishing pilot grant mechanism that supports development of promising projects from junior faculty. The Administration Core (Core A) will be managed by the COBRE PI along with coordinator assistance, core management assistance, and business management oversight of the program budget. This core will centralize all COBRE program documentation and reporting in compliance with NIH COBRE requirements.
