PROJECT ABSTRACT- OVERALL The Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE) is a statewide network of universities in Kansas and Oklahoma that work cooperatively to improve biomedical research. The University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) is the Lead Institution and works closely with two other non-primarily undergraduate institutions (non-PUIs: University of Kansas-Lawrence, KU-L; Kansas State University, KSU;) and seven institutions focused on undergraduate student training PUIs: Emporia State University (ESU), Fort Hays State University (FHSU), Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU), Langston University (LU, Langston, OK), Pittsburg State University (PSU), Washburn University (WU), and Wichita State University (WSU). The K-INBRE is focused on 1) developing a skilled, competitive Kansas workforce in biomedical research, 2) increasing undergraduate research participation, and 3) the power of mentored team science. The long-range objectives are to promote multidisciplinary research networks in biomedical research; increase the research base and capacity through research support; provide research opportunities for trainees; serve as a pipeline for students to continue health research careers; and enhance science and technology knowledge of data science in the K-INBRE community. To achieve the objectives of the K-INBRE, the proposal contains key elements within three Specific Aims and three Cores. Aim 1 seeks to strengthen research capacity and infrastructure. The K-INBRE Administrative Core oversees all K-INBRE functions and includes the Incentives & Awards Committee and the Student Research Program. The Administrative Core focuses on network communications, scholarship, and internal evaluations. Aim 2, through its Data Science Core, enhances science and technology knowledge by offering research support and education. Aim 3 stimulates Kansas's basic, translational, and entrepreneurial research via mentored, interdisciplinary research opportunities. The Developmental Research Project Program (DRPP) Core oversees the Developmental Research Project Program, SPRING Pilot Projects, and Postdoctoral Awards. The K-INBRE continues to refine and expand our efforts in biomedical research within the K-INBRE network. New innovations include implementing programs targeted to PUIs (CURE awards, SPRING Pilot Projects, DRPP awards, and Data Science Research awards for PUI faculty (DSC-PUI Awards). Collectively, these mechanisms allow K-INBRE network faculty and trainees to engage in biomedical research at different stages and increase opportunities to pursue NIH-funded research programs and opportunities in biomedical careers.

PROJECT NARRATIVE The Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE) is a network of Universities in Kansas and Oklahoma that augments the research infrastructure, training, research productivity, and career development of biomedical researchers and undergraduate students. The K-INBRE offers diverse programs and funding mechanisms to support researcher pipelines and careers, build research infrastructure, and enhance the competitiveness of Kansas biomedical researchers. The K-INBRE’s strength is its long-standing collaborative network and success in pipeline development for students, trainees, and faculty in biomedical research. K-INBRE operates through three Cores with foci in faculty and trainee mentoring, data science, and administration and execution of this longstanding Kansas IDeA program.