The Administrative Core will enable the whole to be greater than the parts by fostering a scientific environment that promotes the overall CORT objectives: advancing understanding of systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis, to identifying new biomarkers of disease, and discovering novel therapies for patients with SSc. Dr. Robert Lafyatis will lead the CORT as Program Director and chair the Executive Committee, composed of the directors and associate directors of each of the projects and cores with Dr. Robyn Domsic the Program Associate Director. Dr. Oliver Eickelberg, U Pitt Vice Chair for Basic and Translational Science (project 2, PI); Dr. Stephen Chan, Director, Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine (project 3, PI); and Dr. Harinder Singh, Director of the Center for Systems Immunology (Core C, PI) will provide additional leadership experience for the Executive Committee. The administrative core will organize Executive Committee meetings every other month that will serve both as a time to discuss administrative organization, but more importantly a time for scientific exchange between investigators. The Administrative Core will assemble a highly-experienced external Advisory Committee composed of physician-scientists, working in the areas of CORT projects and cores: SSc skin disease, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, biomarkers, systems biology and clinical outcomes. This committee will annually review each project and core, critiquing progress, probing obstacles, and providing advice for new scientific directions. The CORT Administrative Core will manage budgets, arrange meetings of the Executive and Advisory committees, assist the CORT director in preparing reports, manage the website, solicit and organize review of Pilot and Feasibility proposals, and arrange enrichment seminars. The Center will organize the structures needed for robust communication in order to advance the science of the interdisciplinary groups composing the Center. The Administrative Core will provide enrichment opportunities for CORT investigators through invited speakers; solicit and organize Advisory Committee evaluation of Pilot and Feasibility Grants, targeting young, early stage and minority investigators; and organize mentoring for minority, young, early stage investigators

The CORT Administrative Core will foster a scientific environment that promotes CORT goals advancing understanding of systemic sclerosis pathogenesis, identifying new biomarkers of disease, and discovering novel therapies for patients with SSc. A strong leadership team will organize and manage CORT investigator, project and core activities to promote this mission. An external advisory committee will provide oversight and guidance in new scientific directions..