PROJECT SUMMARY The Administrative Core A is designed to provide the basic operational underpinning to support the research efforts of the Center. During Phase 1, the Center for Childhood Obesity Prevention (CCOP) was successful in establishing two research cores, the Biostatistics Core B and the Metabolism and Bioenergetics Core C. Building on this work, one additional research core will be established in Phase 2, the Community Engagement Core D, to further strengthen and enhance the institutional research infrastructure for scientific inquiry into pediatric obesity and related co-morbidities. The Administrative Core A will support the growth and sustainability of the Center by guiding current and newly recruited junior investigators to develop independent, extramurally funded research programs in the thematic focus of childhood obesity prevention using a team science approach. Institutional scientific infrastructure will continue to be enhanced through investment in the sustainability of the research cores, and building additional strategic institutional partnerships necessary to support junior faculty career development, and create synergy for maximum collective impact in the field. Specific Aim 1: Provide administrative, scientific, and fiscal support to enhance and operate the Center. This includes coordination of all administrative and research core functions, evaluation of junior investigator projects, ongoing recruitment and development of pipeline investigator projects, mentoring and career development activities, and tracking of scientific products and impacts. Effectiveness and progress of Center programs will be assessed regularly through a comprehensive evaluation strategy. The focus in Phase 2 will be on establishing processes and products aimed at supporting long term sustainability of the Center. Specific Aim 2: Implement the Center operations plan. Provide the coordination of daily Center operations including budget management, progress reporting, compliance with federal regulations, study coordination and visit support, management of the pilot study RFA process, coordination of advisory committee and operational meetings, and comprehensive data tracking. Specific Aim 3: Enhance the career development and scientific progress of the junior investigators. Provide a robust Senior Mentoring program, accompanied by comprehensive training and education, to support the development of emerging scientists as independently funded investigators using a team science mission and approach.