Administrative Core

West Virginia University, Morgantown WV

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract. Stroke is a global health crisis that has particularly high prevalence among the citizens of West Virginia (WV). Therefore, the West Virginia University (WVU) Stroke CoBRE focuses on promoting research into modifiable risk factors for stroke, fostering the discovery of stroke therapeutics, and developing strategies to promote recovery of cognitive and behavioral function after stroke. Continued investment in foundational stroke research is needed to ease the health burden of stroke. During Phase I and II, the Stroke CoBRE improved the research infrastructure and expanded neuroscience research capacity at WVU by establishing and equipping the Rodent Experimental Stroke and Surgery (RESS) Core and Rodent Behavior Core (RBC) and by providing individualized, holistic scientific and professional mentorship to 16 Research Project Leaders. The result has been the emergence of a highly interactive, well-funded critical mass of stroke researchers and scientific cores that have become integral in supporting neuroscience research. The Administrative Core (Admin Core) has fostered these successes by cultivating a culture of collegiality and collaboration, innovation, productivity, fiscal accountability, and data-driven decision making. Phase III will leverage leadership experience and strength to provide the structure and resources needed to further optimize CoBRE performance and achieve long-term sustainability for the cores. These goals will be accomplished through the following three Specific Aims: Aim 1. Implementation of an effective and efficient governance structure and organizational policies and procedures to catalyze progress toward achieving the collective goals of the WVU Stroke CoBRE. Whereas most policies and procedures and day-to-day operations will remain the same as Phase II, we will leverage robust data evaluation to develop, implement, and refine our policies and procedures for programs and approaches that will be initiated in Phase III, including the Pilot Project Program (PPP), a fee-for- service budget, and inter-institutional project management. Aim 2. Provide transformational leadership and structure to spark ESI development in foundational stroke research, drive innovation, sustain core excellence, and expand the impact of the RESS Core and RBC. The cores assist investigators in overcoming the substantial barriers to entry into the foundational stroke research field created by the need for highly specialized knowledge, skills, and equipment. In Phase III, investigators will be supported in developing stroke research expertise via the PPP and a voucher program. The cores will continue to prioritize services that drive innovative stroke research but also will leverage the transdisciplinary value of the cores’ surgical and behavioral testing expertise to nurture investigators in other fields and at other institutions in WV. Aim 3. Establish a fee-for-service budget model to promote the long-term sustainability of the RESS Core and RBC. By accomplishing these aims, the WVU Stroke CoBRE will optimize core services and provide a strong foundation for sustainable stroke research excellence at WVU, and across WV.