PROJECT SUMMARY – ADMINISTRATIVE CORE The Administrative Core provides administrative oversight to ensure smooth operation of Diabetes Research and Training Center (DRTC). This includes oversight of the training and development of new diabetes investigators though a Pilot & Feasibility grant program and enhancing, enriching and increasing awareness of diabetes and diabetes-related issues in the greater Chicago area and nationally through the Enrichment Program. Additionally, the Core provides fiscal and operational oversight of the Biomedical Research Cores of the DRTC. The DRTC is an integral part of the Division of Biological Sciences at the University of Chicago, as well as the diabetes community throughout the Chicagoland area. The line of authority for the DRTC leads directly for the Dean of the Biological Sciences at the University of Chicago, who is responsible for selecting the Director. The DRTC consists of co-Directors (Raghu G. Mirmira and Graeme I. Bell) and an Associate Director (Louis H. Philipson), who are responsible for the day-to-day administration and the coordination and evaluation of Center activities. They are aided by the Steering Committee comprised of DRTC leaders. The administrative structure also includes an Internal Advisory Board comprised of institutional leaders and an External Advisory Board comprised of investigators who are leaders in the field of diabetes research. The aims of the Administrative Core are: 1. To create an administrative structure to provide Center advocacy and oversight to ensure the continued evolution and support of its Research Base. 2. To provide financial management of the Center’s Research Core and Pilot & Feasibility Program activities and to ensure compliance with institutional and governmental regulations 3. To administer the Enrichment Program for promoting communication and exchange of ideas among Center members, trainees, and colleagues from other Centers whose work is relevant to that of the DRTC.