The purpose of the Kansas INBRE (K-INBRE) is to promote multidisciplinary research networks with a focus on Cell and Developmental Biology; increase the research base and capacity through research support; provide a range of basic science and clinical research opportunities for student trainees; serve as a pipeline for students to continue in health research careers in IDeA states; and enhance science and technology knowledge of the state’s workforce.
Aim 1: Maintain and improve the current multidisciplinary research network in Cell and Developmental Biology in the State of Kansas, strengthening both communication channels and research infrastructure
The K-INBRE Administrative Core will continue its scientific focus on Cell and Developmental Biology, employing effective intercampus communications and providing oversight of statewide funding opportunities. In the Administrative Core, the Incentives & Awards Committee will oversee awards that improve support and infrastructure to researchers, and the Undergraduate Research Office will oversee undergraduate research that continues to train a new workforce for Kansas.
The Communications Core enhances strong interactions throughout the network via videoconferencing links on all ten campuses and electronic distribution of current events and research news. This application includes structural renovation proposals on four of our PUI’s that will enhance research opportunities on these campuses.
Aim 2: Enhance science and technology knowledge and integration in Kansas by offering sophisticated bioinformatics technology and education
The K-INBRE continues to facilitate successful implementation of the Bioinformatics Core on the KSU campus, with satellite cores at KUMC and KU-L, which represent the GPIs. Our statewide strengths in Cell and Developmental Biology allow the K-INBRE to focus on enhanced genomics bioinformatics and bioinformatics education within the Bioinformatics Core. The Bioinformatics Core will also expand their outreach and education for informational and technical capabilities to all campuses.
Aim 3: Stimulate basic and translational research in the State of Kansas via mentored, interdisciplinary research opportunities
The Mentoring Core includes 3 of our longstanding and successful mentored training programs; the required Developmental Research Project Program, our Partnerships for Translational Research Program that stimulates clinical and basic science cross training, and our Postdoctoral Program. Each program requires strong mentoring to assist faculty and postdocs to develop new tools for their research and career advancement. This Aim will 1) promote the development of multidisciplinary developmental research projects, 2) promote avenues whereby scientific skills and knowledge essential to translational research are transferred between partners, one from a basic science setting and one from a clinical setting, and 3) support promising postdoctoral fellows as they advance in their careers. The implementation of this plan is expected to facilitate the new basic, clinical and entrepreneurial science strengths in Cell and Developmental Biology in Kansas, and ultimately to contribute importantly to the development of new tools and strategies for improving human health.