Histology and Imaging Core

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Prior to the initiation of this COBRE, there were no research cores at the University of New England (UNE). Phase 1 and 2 COBRE support resulted in the development of the Histology and Imaging Core (HIC) into a critical resource for COBRE investigators and the broader research community at UNE and the region. The Core's histology instrumentation includes tissue embedding equipment, microtomes, vibratomes, cryostats and slide staining workstations. Imaging equipment includes brightfield, widefield fluorescence, slide-scanning, confocal and 2-photon microscopes. Technical services include tissue embedding, sectioning, conventional histology stains, immunohistochemistry, and antibody optimization and validation. In Phase 2, the HIC provided services to 38 investigators (15 UNE-COBRE, 8 UNE-non- COBRE, 10 in external academia and 5 in industry), and trained 175 laboratory personnel. Also in Phase 2, a fee-for- service model was initiated, and strong partnerships with other IDeA institutions at Brown University and Maine Medical Center Research Institute were developed that, in combination with internal users, have the potential to be long-term sustaining providers of Core income. Special care has been taken to ensure that the Core capabilities do not duplicate those offered by other COBRE- and INBRE-supported research cores. Instead, the Core has strategically specialized in unique services such the processing of brain samples, bone samples and marine-derived samples. In Phase 3, the HIC will maintain its current outstanding level of performance, critically assess its performance, continue to develop its personnel professionally, and hire an additional technician to keep pace with the needs of its broadening user base. The HIC will also undertake a rigorous strategic planning program under the direction of a UNE expert in small business strategy, with the goal of completing its transition to post-award sustainability. The HIC has secured critical additional institutional support, including guarantees of post-Phase 3 salary for key Core personnel, protected time for Directors, laboratory space, assistance with maintenance and service contracts, and an internally funded core voucher program and continuation of the UNE mini-grant program for those striving for extramural support. Through these efforts, the UNE HIC will continue to provide excellent critical research support to its many users, ensuring maximum utility to UNE and the broader research community in Phase 3 and beyond.