Administrative Core: Coordinating and collaborating to facilitate VCC work

Broad Institute, Inc., Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

Project Summary- Administrative Core The Virome Characterization Center (VCC) aims to fulfill NIH's mission by extensively characterizing the human virome – the collection of all the viruses that are found inside and on the human body – in varied human cohorts, leveraging advanced genomic technologies, bioinformatics, and computational analyses. This ambitious project involves a collaborative effort, utilizing advanced genomic technologies, bioinformatics, and computational analyses.We have established an Administrative Core (AC) to bring expertise in managing large-scale consortia and genomics programs, particularly microbial research for public health. The AC’s objectives include providing leadership, administrative oversight, and coordination among VCC cores to ensure efficiency and productivity, aligning with the program's goals and milestones. Collaborations with other Human Virome Program (HVP) sites and National Institute of Health (NIH) officials will improve Consortium operations, standardize protocols, and share resources, enhancing human virome analysis standards globally. The AC team is also committed to integrating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) values throughout their processes.Under Aim 1, the AC will establish leadership and practices to support the VCC and HVP. The leadership team, experienced in managing research consortia, will focus on coordinating across cohorts for virome characterization, emphasizing DEIA values. They will oversee VCC's progress, employing collaborative decision-making and a "Disagree and Consent" method for conflict resolution, ensuring alignment with program goals and integration of pilot project results into VCC outputs.They will further ensure resilience through the support of a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), designated arbiter, and succession plan. Aim 2 involves organizing and managing interactions within VCC cores. The AC will lead the VCC, coordinating cores, ensuring clear communication, and defining responsibilities in terms of person-months. They will also manage the VCC's scientific and administrative progress with a milestone-based plan, facilitate effective communication and collaboration, ensure financial oversight, and collaborate with the Data Analysis and Submission Core (DASC) to minimize confounding research variables. Finally, under Aim 3, the AC will focus on enhancing Consortium operations and sharing protocols, resources, and training throughout the HVP. They will enable access to data, publications, and technology, ensuring open access and transparent, ethical practices in biospecimen and data sharing. The AC will also support training and collaboration, bolstering research capabilities through training programs and workshops, enhancing collaboration with other VCCs, and establishing working groups for material refinement and a centralized digital repository for SOPs and other materials. This comprehensive approach aims to elevate the overall quality and impact of human virome research nationally and globally.