UNC NORC Supplement to Expand NORC Central

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Project Summary/Abstract The Nutrition Obesity Research Centers (NORCs) are a part of an integrated program funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases that is specifically designed to support nutritional sciences and obesity-related research. The program consists of 11 centers from across the country that provide basic and clinical resources and expertise to investigators conducting cutting-edge nutrition and obesity research. First developed in 2016, NORC Central (https://norccentral.org/) currently serves as an online directory of the services and resources offered at each of the 11 NORCs across the US and as a central directory of the educational activities, scientific advancements, and specific accomplishments of each Center. Building on the work of the national NORC Steering Committee for Diversity and Inclusion of Scientists from Underrepresented Groups in Academia (URiA), this administrative supplement will provide resources for scientists interested in addressing nutrition and obesity with a lens toward diversity, equity, and inclusion and mitigating health disparities. Specifically, this administrative supplement will enable the development of the following important new digital resources: a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Health Disparities Research section to provide resources to both early career investigators and established researchers, a publications database that highlights research supported by NORCs throughout the national system, a membership database that profiles NORC-affiliated early career investigators and investigators from underrepresented groups, and an online job board focused on early career and DEI opportunities. In addition, this administrative supplement will ensure that the entire website adheres to accepted accessibility requirements. As part of this supplement, we will also conduct qualitative research to identify barriers for advancement and retention of URiA trainees and faculty across the national NORC system. With these improvements, NORC Central will continue to facilitate collaborations across the national NORC system and serve as a vital resource for investigators focusing on nutrition and obesity. NORC Central will also be poised to serve as an important destination for early career investigators and investigators from underrepresented groups working in the fields of nutrition and obesity.