The broad objective of the Administrative Core is to provide infrastructure for the effective operation of the Heteroresistance Interdisciplinary Research Unit (HR-IRU) by facilitating synergistic and productive interactions amongst the investigators. The Administrative Core (Core A) is essential to help the HR-IRU efficiently meet its long-term goal of understanding the mechanistic bases, dynamics, and prevalence of heteroresistance. The activities of the Core will be led by Drs. David Weiss and Bruce Levin supported by Ms. Dianne Miller and Ms. Pearl Backman. The goals of Core A are defined by five specific aims, along with Staffing and Management Plans.
The aims will be achieved by providing a defined structure for operational logistics between the institutions and research groups in the Unit. The HR-IRU is comprised of an international team of investigators with a strong history of productive collaboration, and will facilitate the continued communication and synergistic interactions among the investigators in the research projects and cores. Core A will implement and oversee regular videoconferences, face-to-face meetings, and annual meetings. Structures have been developed for conflict resolution, scientific oversight, and communication logistics to ensure effective operation of the HR-IRU. Management, coordination, and finances of the HR-IRU will operate seamlessly between the administrative offices and research groups at Emory University and the University of Uppsala. Plans are in place to protect the intellectual property rights of the HR-IRU investigators by managing data sharing agreements and interactions internally and externally to the HR-IRU. A framework is in place for regular communication and transparency between the HR-IRU and the NIH/NIAID program staff, and responsiveness to requests from the NIH/NIAID. The HR-IRU also aims to broaden the heteroresistance research community by identifying and seeking potential collaborations between HR-IRU investigators and external researchers studying related or relevant phenomena. This includes broad communications within Emory University and University of Uppsala communities, outreach to researchers through presentation of findings at meetings and conferences, and invitation of an external scientific expert to participating the Unit's annual meetings. The processes implemented by the Administrative Core and outlined by these five aims build upon existing collaborations to coordinate the smooth operation of the highly interdisciplinary Unit and interactions broader community, in order to be successful in making fundamental gains in our understanding of heteroresistance.
