Research Projects Core

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Project Summary/Abstract The UPR Phases 1 and 2 CCfN significantly contributed to advancement of research in Puerto Rico. A key component has been the investigator-initiated research projects: Phase 1 and 2 Subprojects, and Phase 2 Pilot and Collaborative Seed Projects. The CCfN supported a total of 21 investigator-initiated research projects: 10 Subprojects, 4 Pilot, and 7 Seed projects. These projects impacted scientists from 5 institutions and 8 academic departments. These entailed a rich diversity of Neuroscience research themes, experimental model systems, approaches and methodology. In terms of scientific productivity COBRE-funded PIs (Subprojects, Pilots and Seeds) accounted for ~50% of the 113 total publications of the CCfN and contributed to 41% (745) of the citations total (1816). A total of ~$15M in external funds were obtained by these investigators. Subprojects accounted for 52 of the 83 grants submitted (~63%) and 27 of the 48 funded (~56%). COBRE Phase 2 Pilot and Seed projects accounted for 37.4% of grants submitted and 43% of grants funded for ~$4,25M or 36.3% of the total external funds obtained by these projects. Phase 3 CCfN seeks expansion and evolution of investigator-initiated research into a Research Projects Core (RPC) that further evidences the inherent and emerging synergism between the CCfN’s Administrative Core, Neuroimaging and Electrophysiology Facilities (NIEF), and Research Projects Core. Phase 3 RPC specifically aims to: (1) continue providing support for investigator-initiated research projects in the modalities of Pilot and Seed projects. RPC will continue support of Pilots and Seed projects, with an expanded potential user population and academic institutions. Scope will also be expanded to more Neuroscience-related research themes and entrepreneurship. Most importantly, all Seed Projects funds (5K/Seed, 25K/yr, 125K complete grant cycle) and equipment purchases during the first year of each Pilot project will derive entirely from institutional commitment funds; (2) further enhance the development of COBRE investigators’ productivity and competitiveness by their participation in programmatic activities sponsored by the Administrative and NIEF Cores. Pilot Projects participants are required to participate in the capabilities’ enhancement activities of the Administrative CORE and other applicable NIEF education and training sessions; and, (3) sponsor the submission of Neuroplasticity and related neuroscience research grants to competitive sources of research funding, including individual, multiple-PI, program project or center grants from other NIH Institutes and Centers, or other Federal and non-Federal entities. We aim to facilitate submission of multiple-PI, program project, or center grants based on areas of research strength. Given our diversity of neuroscientists and expertise we envision their coalescence into next-level collaborative research venues. The RPC will further the programmatic goals of fostering development of researchers, enhancing competitiveness, promoting continued development of a competitive research culture, and becoming a world- recognized self-sustainable Center for Neuroplasticity with emerging translational/therapeutic applications.