# Administrative Core

> **NIH NIH P20** · UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & ST AGRIC COLLEGE · 2020 · $438,121

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
CORE A: Administrative Core
Unhealthy behavioral choices to smoke, overeat and lead sedentary lifestyles underlie the preponderance of
chronic disease in the U.S. Greater understanding of the mechanisms underpinning vulnerability to such
unhealthy decision making and developing more effective interventions to promote behavior change is vitally
important to improving the U.S. public health. The overarching goal of the Administrative Core of the Vermont
Center on Behavior and Health (VCBH) is to organize and grow existing strengths at the University of Vermont
(UVM) while continuing to engage in local, national, and international collaborations in this important area of
health research. This core has established the administrative and intellectual infrastructure necessary to (a)
strengthen and grow collaboration among an multidisciplinary group of investigators who share research and
clinical expertise in this area, (b) effectively mentor early-career faculty in conducting thematically related
research and preparing competitive research grant applications, (c) engage in productive collaborations with
community healthcare organizations and other universities located in IDeA states and beyond, (d) recruit new
members into the center, and (e) continue to secure the necessary financial support to sustain the VCBH
beyond COBRE support. We propose that Stephen T. Higgins, PhD, continue as Director of this core with
Philip A. Ades, MD continuing in the role of Associate Director. Accomplished UVM senior faculty will continue
directing cores on (a) behavioral economics and intervention sciences, and (b) collaboration, dissemination,
and education, while also mentoring early-career faculty in conducting COBRE-supported and thematically
related research projects. We will continue collaborating with Vermont community healthcare leaders and
investigators from other IDeA States and beyond in pursuing the VCBH mission. Program oversight will be
guided by an External Advisory Committee of distinguished scientific leaders in the area of behavior and
health. An Internal Advisory Committee composed of accomplished senior UVM investigators will continue
advising the VCBH on scientific and organizational matters. A Community Advisory Committee of experts in
Vermont health care delivery and policy will help assure that the VCBH remains responsive to community
needs. This interdisciplinary team will work closely together to continue the overarching goal of establishing the
VCBH as a nationally and internationally recognized center of research excellence.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10015299
- **Project number:** 5P20GM103644-08
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & ST AGRIC COLLEGE
- **Principal Investigator:** Stephen T Higgins
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $438,121
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2013-09-15 → 2023-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10015299

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10015299, Administrative Core (5P20GM103644-08). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10015299. Licensed CC0.

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