Research Project
10271793
SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Administrative Core The Administrative Core (AC) is spearheading the success of the Center for Neurodegeneration and Translational Neuroscience (CNTN). The CNTN is a multidisciplinary, thematically cohesive, mission-oriented, translational neuroscience research program focused on neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) in Southern Nevada (NV). The Center is a dynamic collaboration between the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (LRCBH) in Las Vegas, Nevada (NV), and the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). Our research center is very significant for the demographic evolution of Southern NV. This is evidenced by the fact that State Officials strongly support our project and interact regularly with AC leadership to inquire about progress and need for support. During CNTN Phase 1, the work accomplished by AC has transformed the translational neuroscience research environment in Southern NV. The significant achievements of AC are: 1- the investment in cutting-edge infrastructure for neuroscience and NDD research; 2- the mentoring of six Junior Investigators (JIs) who graduated with independent positions; 3- the creation of a Clinical and Translational Research Core (CTRC) to build and deeply phenotype a new longitudinal cohort of patients suffering NDD; and 4- the establishment of a Data Management and Statistics Core to securely store and manage large biomedical datasets and assist CNTN investigators with statistical analyses. AC has utilized the data compiled from innovative methods developed by the Assessment Unit to monitor the operations of CNTN Cores and projects. For Phase 2, the AC intends to exploit the data from the Assessment Unit for decision-making. The data will be scrutinized to strategize on how to optimize the development of research infrastructure that will support new projects, the career development of CNTN investigators, and sustainability beyond the COBRE support period. The first step in our strategy is the augmentation of the AC leadership with two co-Directors (Drs. Sabbagh and Kinney) and one Assistant Director (Dr. Cummings) to efficiently manage the rapid growth of the CNTN enterprise. Our new AC leadership ambitions to accomplish five specific aims during Phase 2. First, AC will enhance the coordination of CNTN Cores, projects, and advisory Committees. Second, the AC will advance scientific research by increasing the size of our cohort and fortifying fundamental research projects, including the projects by junior and pilot project investigators. Third, the AC will enhance the career development of all CNTN personnel. Fourth, the AC will foster a robust assessment process of CNTN activities to further use the data for decision-making. Fifth, AC will utilize COBRE, institutional, industry, and philanthropic support to accentuate the sustainable future of neuroscience research in Southern NV. Therefore, AC leaders are fully committed to develop the translational neuroscience research ecosystem in Southern NV and assist State Officials with finding an impactful response to curb the upcoming NDD pandemic in NV.
