This Phase I CoBRE will create the Oklahoma Center for Microbiome Research (OCMR) to broadly address key principles and questions concerning microbiome structure and function as the underpinnings of human health and disease. Effective research requires strong administrative support and ancillary services. Thus, the long-term goal is to transform the OCMR into an independent research center that supports and promotes research excellence while facilitating early-stage investigators’ progress towards independence. A key to achieving the objectives and long-term goals is the coordination of multiple research activities, career development events and activities, interactions, mentoring, communication, networking, and reporting. The OCMR Administrative Core will facilitate and manage these aspects of the Center. In addition to the above, the Administrative Core will monitor the success of Research Project Leaders in achieving milestones and the overall success of the OCMR. As such, the Administrative Core will establish and manage an Advisory Committee to evaluate and advise the OCMR Directors and Research Project Leaders. The Administrative Core will manage and facilitate the administration of COBRE budgets, reporting to NIH, and administering the Pilot Project Program. The overall objective of the Administrative Core is to oversee, manage, and implement all administrative-related activities and provide the necessary support for Research Project Leaders to succeed and reach independent R01 status. The OCMR is well-positioned to implement the Administrative Core due to strong leadership and management experience of the Associate Directors, Mentors with successful track records of mentoring early-stage investigators, and institutional resources and support. The OCMR will attain the overall objective by pursuing six Specific Aims. Specific Aim 1) Provide Administrative Management of the Oklahoma Center for Microbiome Science Activities. Specific Aim 2) Effectively Mentor and Monitor Research Project Leaders to Achieve Milestones Resulting in Independence. Specific Aim 3) Support Research Project Leaders through Career Development and Guidance. Specific Aim 4) Develop a strong Pipeline of New RPLs by Cultivating Replacement Research Project Leaders. Specific Aim 5) Establish an Effective Advisory Committee to Oversee the COBRE. Specific Aim 6) Administer a Pilot Project Program that Supports the Research Project Leader Pipeline.