Research Capacity Core

Abstract (Research Capacity Core - RCC)
North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) RCMI Center for Health Disparities Research (RCHDR) was created
in September 2017 and includes a Research Infrastructure Core (RIC) aimed at building and enhancing
biomedical research infrastructure at NCCU. In last 4 years, RIC has responded to the needs of researchers and
suggestions by our advisory committees to develop basic, behavioral and population health infrastructure. In its
first cycle, RIC provided support for 3 full projects, 6 Investigator Development Core (IDC) funded pilot projects,
24 additional (non-RCHDR) seed grants and over 20 NIH-funded projects. The RIC also added new capabilities
in analytical, imaging, metabolic analysis, and rodent behavior studies, as well as creating multiple health
disparities-focused programs in data equity, health communications, and environmental equity. To maintain and
expand our health disparity research activities at NCCU, RCHDR proposes to continue building our research
eco-system through the redesigned Research Capacity Core (RCC). RCC will further enhance our resources in
both basic biomedical and behavioral sciences; and lay the groundwork for NCCU researchers to conduct
population and health services research pilot studies. RCC will also integrate strategic collaborations with NIH-
funded Centers at area institutions and other RCMI centers (through the RCMI coordinating center) to increase
our research capacity in biomedical, behavioral, and health-related research. To achieve these goals, we
propose three specific aims: SA1: Redesign the RCC to support basic biomedical, behavioral and health services
research by developing innovative sub-cores that address research needs. These sub-cores will support a broad
range of projects in multiple departments across NCCU and leverage partnerships with neighboring institutions.
SA2: Support two research projects in the current proposal and future pilot projects focused on interdisciplinary
basic biomedical, behavioral and population/health services research. The RCC will also support Community
Engagement Core (CEC) activities and other research projects throughout NCCU, complement existing
resources and expand the presence and impact of RCHDR. SA3: Ensure and sustain the effectiveness of the
RCC sub-cores through a structured daily management plan that includes integration of units, usage (cost
recovery), governance and communication with other research partners (e.g., universities, research
organizations and industry).