PROJECT SUMMARY – ADMINISTRATIVE CORE Cancer and cardiovascular disease risk factors and related morbidity and mortality in Arkansas are among the poorest in the United States. These data provide a compelling rationale for developing a strong research ecosystem to support the efficient and effective management, operations, and functioning of the Center for Research, Health and Social Justice. The goal of the Administrative Core (AC) is to provide: comprehensive scientific oversight; fiscal management; implementation of core plans through an efficient organizational and governance structure; submission of progress reports; compliance of Center-supported research with all applicable regulations and policies; common data elements and measures across all research projects, as appropriate; career development plans for all investigators; implementation of a Center evaluation plan; and fulfillment of all appropriate Terms and Conditions of an Award. Consistent with the National Institutes of Health's UNITE Initiative to end structural racism and discrimination, the AC's transdisciplinary and diverse team seeks to advance administrative operations that steer the culture of the Center toward equity, inclusion, and scientific excellence; administer resources to support chronic disease health disparities research; and foster communications and practices that support a socially just research ecosystem in Arkansas. Using a social justice framework and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Framework, the AC will address individual, interpersonal, and institutional structural factors that influence diverse investigator access to resources for effective project management and operation. The AC will create equity in management and allocation of resources, opportunities for Center affiliates to fully participate in its activities, and promote activities that support the human right to health for those disproportionately impacted by chronic disease disparities. The AC includes a Director's Office, Leadership Team, External Scientific Advisory Board, Philanthropy Advisory Board, Administrative and Technical Support Team, and the Measures, Evaluation, and Methods Team. Our institutional partners, the Arkansas Department of Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Eastern Carolina University play a critical role in the AC's functioning. The Director of Social Justice Integration in Research and Practice will foster social justice processes and practice. We will use innovative strategies, including concept, geographic information system and asset mapping to inform Center planning and evaluation strategies, and incorporate community health workers and early stage career investigators into the AC to grow leadership in the academy and community. The AC will adopt a decision-making process that is highly participatory, leveraging the opinions and expertise of a diverse research team. The AC builds on a strong administrative foundation established by the Arkansas Center for Health Disparities. The AC's approach to oversight, coordination, management, and administration for the full spectrum of Center activities will support the successful and timely achievement of the Center's goals. We intend to build a strong model for the practice of social justice in a research ecosystem.