Program Objectives (2024-2029)

The purpose of the Kansas INBRE (K-INBRE) is to promote multidisciplinary research networks with a focus on Biomedical Research; 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: Improve the current multidisciplinary research network in the K-INBRE Network, strengthening research capacity and infrastructure.

The K-INBRE-5 Administrative Core will oversee intercampus communications, distribution of funds, statewide and federal funding opportunities, program evaluation, data collection, and dissemination of K-INBRE successes. Under the Administrative Core, the Incentives & Awards Committee will select awards that improve research support and infrastructure. The Student Research Program will oversee undergraduate research that continues to train a new workforce for Kansas. The new funding will support curriculum-based undergraduate research experiences (CURE Awards) at PUIs. Also included is a renovation proposal that will significantly improve research on the FHSU Campus. The K-INBRE-5 will continue collaborations with state programs aimed at high school and undergraduate students and continue integrating with existing educational/training programs in the K-INBRE Network. We will continue collaborations with IDeA (INBRE, COBRE, CTR-IDeA, SPeCTRE, and I-Red) programs in the K-INBRE Network and the Central IDeA Region States.

Aim 2: Enhance science and technology knowledge in Kansas by offering enhanced data science research support and education

TThe K-INBRE-5 will facilitate the successful implementation and modernization of the Data Science Core (DSC) on the KSU campus, with satellite cores at KUMC and KU-L. The K-INBRE-5 DSC will support data science research and education and expand to include new statewide educational opportunities for data science programming and analysis. The DSC will expand its outreach and education to all campuses for informational and technical capabilities. There will be extensive opportunities for PUIs to engage the DSC expertise through several grant opportunities, including new DSC-PUI grants to help PUI faculty increase research activities and student participation in data science.

Aim 3: Stimulate biomedical research in the State of Kansas via mentored, interdisciplinary research opportunities

Aim 3: Stimulate biomedical research in Kansas via mentored, interdisciplinary research opportunities. The Developmental Research Program Core will include the required Developmental Research Projects as well as the SPRING Pilot Projects. Each program requires strong mentoring to assist faculty in developing tools for their research and career advancement. This Aim will 1) promote the development of multidisciplinary developmental research projects, 2) promote data science and other IDeA program Core usage, 3) support PUI researchers to prepare for NIH funding opportunities, and 4) increase trainee participation in research.