OVERALL The Yale Diabetes Research Center (Yale DRC) was established in 1993 with the goal of promoting research in diabetes and related metabolic disorders at Yale. The Yale DRC brings together a multidisciplinary group of 97 members and professional supporting staff, new investigators and research trainees from 29 departments or divisions from 5 colleges or schools at Yale University The scope of the research activities of the membership is very broad, ranging from basic molecular biology to whole body physiology and the treatment of diabetic patients. The members, however, share a common interest in research that is related to diabetes and disorders of metabolism or is fundamental to understanding its pathogenesis or for the development of new treatment strategies. The design of the Yale DRC is aimed at developing an infrastructure that could serve as a catalyst to stimulate innovative diabetes and metabolic-related research. The fulfill this goal, the overall objectives are to create the intellectual environment and resources at Yale that will lead to innovative research programs in science laboratories and with human participants. To build the research base, we aim to encourage participation in diabetes research by new investigators or established investigators with novel ideas and technologies to further the mission. In addition, training the next generation of investigators is a prime objective and to give them the opportunity to develop and test their ideas in a supportive environment. The cornerstone of the Yale DRC is its five Research Cores that provide funded basic and clinical investigators with the opportunity to more efficiently utilize resources and expand the scope of their research programs. The Clinical Metabolism and the Diabetes Translational Research Cores facilitate metabolic research in patients, whereas the Molecular Genetics Mouse Core, Physiology and Cell Biology Cores, that comprise the more basic science focus of the Yale DRC, offer investigators the tools to create and test novel animal models starting from the molecule and ending with biological outcomes. The Pilot and Feasibility Program is an essential tool to meet our objectives and has been a pipeline of new talent and innovative ideas. These goals all focus on serving the diabetes patient community, many of which are members of underserved minority groups. Outreach to these communities is a high priority of the Yale DRC through its training program and outreach to the community