Futureproofing Health: Developing a Center for Resilient Health in Disasters

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ABSTRACT: Administrative Core The Administrative Core will develop and implement strategies and organizational structures to establish, manage and support the Center for Climate and Health glObal Research on Disasters (CORD). The goal of CORD is to build research infrastructure to enable cutting-edge research in 6 case studies conducted in under- served risk communities in the Global South that are at high risk for health impacts of climate-related disasters. The administrative structure will be organized in a unique circular design that actively engages 7 universities from around the world. Leadership and decision-making will be done in a set of teams, encouraging consensus building and multi-directional communication, rather than a top-down structure. A Leadership Team to oversee the overall functioning of CORD will include the CORD director, the co-leads of each functional core and project, and one representative from each member university. It will always include at least one Early Stage Investigator. The Leadership Team will review and monitor CORD activities, financial expenditure, evaluation metrics, and resource and data sharing. Each functional Core/Project will have 2 or 3 co-leads and a coordination team comprising one person per university that will meet regularly to manage and monitor that Core’s aims. This administrative structure is well suited to effectively lead CORD because it ensures the engagement and representation of all of the study communities and promotes the solution-oriented translation of research findings to support the goals of CORD and the NIH Climate and Health Initiative. Aim ADM1 is to develop CORD design and management practices. Based on the circular structure and delegated responsibilities, all university partners will have designated responsibilities and will be empowered to participate in meaningful decision-making. Aim ADM2 is to build a virtual space for collaboration. This consortium will promote seamless collaboration through bi-weekly administrative check-ins, team-building retreats, and subject-matter colloquiums. Aim ADM3 is to develop a process for ongoing review and recalibration. This will include an External Advisory Committee with global experts in climate, health and disasters, and a Tufts Advisory Committee that encompasses the diverse expertise and experience with international collaborations within Tufts University. An Evaluation plan will be developed to provide ongoing monitoring of progress toward goals, and to provide recalibration to address any problems that may arise. The Administrative Core will help ensure successful completion of the ambitious aims of the Research Project, Community Engagement and InnovatEd Leaders Network Cores and will support the overall program goal and mission. It embodies a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, as evidenced by the diversity of the investigators and the research they will conduct. The Administrative Core will be founded on trust, flexibility, governance and shared mental models, which are known to be critical aspects of trans-disciplinary work.