The Administrative Core

SUMMARY The inception of the Columbia University Digestive and Disease Research Center (CU-DLDRC) in 2019 has its foundational roots over the past 15 years through the resounding growth of basic, translational and clinical research. The CU-DLDRC reflects the enthusiasm, collaborations, productivity and success of its members as well as the long-term institutional support of digestive disease research at Columbia University. The CU-DLDRC comprises an interactive group of 49 highly productive members (30 full and 19 associate), united by their strive for excellence in adult and pediatric digestive disease research and care. Since the CU-DLDRC’s inception, the Administrative Core (AC) has enhanced the collaborative research culture through the following endeavors: (i) Fostering interdisciplinary networks and team science, and collaborations between basic and clinical researchers; (ii) promoting education, training, mentorship and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); and (iii) supporting new investigators. The CU-DLDRC’ central research theme “Epithelial Cells and their Interactions in Digestive Homeostasis and Disease” encompasses two interrelated subthemes with major impact on digestive health: “Epithelial Homeostasis, Metabolism and Regeneration” (Subtheme 1) and “Epithelial Interactions in Inflammation and Preneoplasia” (Subtheme 2). Four Biomedical Cores provide access to cutting-edge technologies and facilities: Clinical Research and Biospecimen; Organoid and Cell Culture; Bioimaging; and Bioinformatics and Single Cell Analysis. The CU-DLDRC includes active Pilot and Feasibility (P/F) and Enrichment (EP) Programs, empowering the next generation of scientists and promoting education and intellectual exchange. The AC, as central component of the CU-DLDRC, will contribute to the collation and implementation of its mission, activities and success via optimal organization of the research base; fiscal management; coordination, evaluation and continuous evolution of its components; and communication with oversight committees, the NIDDK and other DDRCCs. The AC is directed by experienced leaders with complementary expertise: Robert Schwabe, MD, PhD (Director); Timothy Wang, MD and Kara Margolis, MD (Associate Directors), supported by AC administrator Seetha Srinivasan, PhD. The AC will promote the mission and success of the CU-DLDRC through these Specific Aims: To provide governance through efficient administration, budgetary oversight, scientific leadership and interactions with oversight committees (Aim 1). To ensure state-of-the-art services, efficient operation and cross-core collaboration by the Biomedical Cores (Aim 2). To promote the next generation of scientists and monitor their success via the P/F Program (Aim 3). To foster a fertile environment and intellectual exchange through seminars and retreats, and to promote DEI via the EP (Aim 4). To highlight the CU-DLDRC, its cores, educational activities and accomplishments on our website (Aim 5). Successful realization of these Aims will contribute to the effectiveness and success of the CU-DLDRC.