Research Development Core

University Of Texas Hlth Science Center, San Antonio TX

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

The Research Development Core (RD Core) assists investigators at any institution in the country with their research and careers in geroscience. Projects are proposed by external investigators and carried out by our research Cores. Via these awards we support collaborations between these investigators and the San Antonio Shock Center Core leaders/Core staff. These collaborations provide multiple opportunities for mentoring and career development for the awardees and generate pilot data for their research in geroscience. This is accomplished through these Specific Aims: 1. To support pilot projects proposed by external investigators and carried out by our research Cores, together with associated training and career development. 2. To offer internships in the Cores to student and postdoctoral trainees via the San Antonio Shock Center Internship Program. 3. To offer pilot project grants to local investigators in San Antonio to assist these investigators with their projects in geroscience. Aim 1 projects are collaborations between the investigator and leaders of the relevant research Cores and involve training in specific techniques by the Core leaders and staff who provide mentoring in scientific thinking generally, especially in research in the biology of aging. When the project is sufficiently developed, the RD Core leaders and the research Core leaders work to assist the external investigator with developing grant proposals for extramural funding, particularly NIA funding. Additionally, mini-sabbaticals enable investigators to come to San Antonio and will be offered to investigators with the approval of the executive committee. Aim 2 internships will be available on a competitive basis and available to trainees working in any area related to the biology of aging. We will advertise the program via the NSC3 to other institutions with programs in aging research and trainees will be able to apply to come to San Antonio to work with Core leaders, learn new techniques, and assist the progress of their projects at their home institution. The program in Aim 3 will continue to support the large numbers of faculty members at our institution with research in geroscience, particularly those newly recruited to the university or new to aging research. To ensure that the investigator receives appropriate mentoring at all stages of the project, a mentoring team is formed among the RD Core leaders and a panel of local experts to discuss the progress of the work. These teams also help the investigator submit proposals for extramural funding from the NIA and other sources. Overall, the aims for this Core will promote significant and innovative research in geroscience and will catalyze the career success of scientists both within the institution and the nation. While building on our past successes, we also expand innovative aspects that serve to enhance the effectiveness of this essential Core.