The Administrative Core of the COBRE in Human Genetics will promote a culture of collaboration among the Research Project Leaders and Clemson University Center for Human Genetics and Greenwood Genetic Center faculty, and provide them with state-of-the-art resources, strong institutional and administrative support, a well-structured mentoring program, professional development activities, and effective scientific leadership. These efforts will enhance the ability of the Research Project Leaders to successfully compete for individual extramural research grants and graduate form COBRE support within the first three years of the program. The administrative organization of the COBRE in Human Genetics will support growth and development of the Center through mentored career advancement of Research Project and Pilot Project Leaders. Successful career development of all four early career investigators during Phase I of COBRE support will consolidate Clemson University?s standing as a strong presence in the academic research community and as a national leader in human genetics. Effective leadership for all planned activities and continued growth of the COBRE in Human Genetics will be provided by an Administrative Core consisting of the three PIs and a program coordinator, which will be responsible for managing all aspects of this program. The Administrative Core will provide funds for eight Pilot Projects to extend the scope of the COBRE in Human Genetics. Mentorship and professional development activities will develop of the research potential of the Research Project Leaders. Each of the Research Project Leaders will be individually mentored by the PIs and external mentors of their choice. Other professional development activities will include group discussions, journal club and group meetings, lunch and learn sessions, community outreach, professional development workshops, and training in responsible conduct of research and rigor and reproducibility. An annual symposium, a distinguished speaker seminar series, and an annual retreat round out the mentoring and professional development plan. The progress of Research Project Leaders and Pilot Project Leaders and the effectiveness of the professional development activities and core facilities will be evaluated by an External Advisory Committee. The External Advisory Committee will meet with the PIs and Research Project and Pilot Project Leaders at the annual retreat and review the programmatic assessments and will make recommendations to the Administrative Core for the further advancement of the COBRE in Human Genetics. Clemson University is committed to the success and growth of the COBRE in Human Genetics and will provide funds to hire three new Assistant Professors in human genetics and for graduate student Research Assistantships working with COBRE in Human Genetics Research Project Leaders.
