CORE 1 – ADMINISTRATIVE CORE: SUMMARY The overall goal of this P01 program project grant (PPG) application, titled ELEVATE, is to evaluate novel therapeutic approaches for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in pre-clinical models, with the ultimate objective of transitioning these approaches to Phase I/II clinical trials. To achieve this, a team of investigators with robust expertise in HCC, mouse modeling, cancer immunotherapy, nanoparticle-based delivery, and medicinal chemistry will continue to collaborate on four highly integrated research projects. Core 2, the Mouse Model and Pathological Analysis Core, will provide crucial support by generating essential mouse models to investigate gene function and evaluate therapeutic responses. Additionally, Core 2 will provide critical analysis of tissue samples to diagnose tumorigenesis and changes in response to treatment. Core 3, the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core (BBC), will provide biostatistical and bioinformatics support across the projects. Given the complex interactions among the four projects and two cores, the Administrative Core (Core 1) will provide critical support to facilitate overall integration, planning, and management of the ELEVATE program. Core 1, the Administrative Core, will 1) provide overall research direction and program oversight by setting the research agenda focused on novel treatment approaches for HCC; 2) deliver general administrative and fiscal management support, which will ensure effective and efficient intra- and inter-institutional communication, coordination, and compliance with all terms and conditions of the grant; 3) promote communication and integration within the program, facilitate constructive review and enhancement of the research progress through frequent and deliberate interactions with expert External and Internal Scientific Advisory Committees (ESAC and ISAC, respectively), and create and maintain a PPG website and secure portal for enhanced communications and data sharing/dissemination by and among the research projects; and 4) facilitate and promote collaborative science by organizing and coordinating annual retreats and symposia on HCC. Core 1 will ensure seamless collaboration among all components of the ELEVATE program to accomplish the overall and specific project goals.