The Delaware Center for Musculoskeletal Research (DCMR) will support basic and preclinical research on the central theme of musculoskeletal health and disorders, from the level of the entire body to the molecule, with an emphasis on the mechanisms by which physical and biological cues influence tissue structure and normal function, dysfunction, and potential therapeutic interventions. A strong Administrative Core will maximize the impact of the DCMR by successfully leading the administrative and fiscal operation of the Center and by supporting complex scientific operations that are interwoven within the Center and draw on resources available through various centers across the University of Delaware and beyond (Aim 1). Excellence and career development of the Project Leaders is critical to the success of the Center, as they conduct impactful musculoskeletal research within the Center and as future independent investigators. Thus, the Administrative Core will also implement a comprehensive mentoring and career development plan for Project Leaders that complements formal departmental mentoring and will enable them to launch successful research programs and attain independent investigator status (Aim 2). The Administrative Core will also work to expand the impact of the DCMR through establishing a collaborative interdisciplinary community, supporting a Pilot grant program, hiring new faculty, and retaining faculty (Aim 3). Finally, the Core will establish a rigorous evaluation program to assess progress toward Center milestones, using best practices in program evaluation and led by an expert internal evaluator (Aim 4). Added to the input of internal and external advisory committees, evaluation data will be used to continuously improve the Center and ensure that it is achieving its overarching goal: to accelerate fundamental and preclinical musculoskeletal research and contribute to a comprehensive basic-to-clinical research pipeline that will substantially reduce the burden of musculoskeletal disorders.
