Developmental Research Project Core

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MISSISSIPPI INBRE DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH PROJECT PROGRAM Project Summary/Abstract In this renewal application, the MS INBRE will leverage extensive experience and successes within the unique academic and cultural environment of Mississippi to significantly increase the number of competitive biomedical investigators at primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) and enhance the overall biomedical infrastructure in Mississippi. The MS INBRE's scientific themes focus on severe health challenges and disparities in Mississippi – namely, cancer, infectious diseases, and obesity. The Developmental Research Project Program (DRPP) for the MS INBRE is designed to grow the human capital within biomedical research enterprises in MS through supporting investigators at partner PUIs, particularly Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), assisting with recruitment of outstanding junior faculty to PUIs, training students in biomedical research, and providing opportunities for professional development. In particular, we will facilitate engagement in research at the PUIs via working with leadership to release faculty from teaching, create or renovate laboratory space, purchase and maintain equipment, and purchase research supplies. Support through the DRPP has led to extramural funding, such as an R15 to Millsaps College, and numerous PUI peer-reviewed publications. This program will specifically address these challenges/opportunities through the following three specific aims: 1) Fund Project Development Grants (PDGs) and Research Initiation Grants (RIGs) to support biomedical research and maximize student participation in research; 2) Provide Recruitment Funds to promote the hire of accomplished, research-active junior faculty to PUIs; and 3) Provide venues for building a community focused on excellence in research and a professional development opportunities to PUI investigators. Our experience during the previous funding period has shown that such an approach will lead to increase biomedical research at PUIs, recruitment of more research focused PUI faculty, and provide additional direct hands-on research experiences for undergraduate students. These activities will also enhance STEM courses with research components which will positively impact students for many years to come.