ABSTRACT ADMINISTRATIVE CORE The primary purpose of this application, “Expanding Excellence in Developmental Biology in Oklahoma” (Oklahoma Developmental Biology COBRE), is to strengthen our Developmental Biology Center at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) and to prepare the Center and Cores for sustainability after COBRE funding ends. We will expand and strengthen our existing expertise in Developmental Biology through the support of Pilot Projects and expansion of technologies and expertise in our two Scientific Cores (Imaging and Bioinformatics and Pathways). In support of these goals, the Administrative Core will serve as the centralized coordinating resource for the Oklahoma Developmental Biology COBRE. The Core Director will facilitate communication among the Oklahoma Pilot Project Investigators and their Mentors, monitor the functioning of the Cores, ensure compliance with all NIH policies, and provide a foundation for scientific growth in basic and translational Developmental Biology research. The Administrative Core Director will be the primary contact for the Network of COBREs and the NIH. To accomplish these goals, the Administrative Core will focus on the following Specific Aims: Aim 1. To provide central management for the Oklahoma Developmental Biology COBRE components and activities. Aim 2. To form a Steering Committee to evaluate the functioning of the COBRE and provide advice to the PI. Aim 3. To form an External Advisory Committee of internationally recognized Developmental Biologists to evaluate the progress of the Pilot Project Investigators and effectiveness of the scientific Cores. Aim 4. To promote multidisciplinary approaches to research and interactions among the COBRE investigators through a vigorous monthly seminar program. Aim 5. To provide continued mentoring to previous Phase I and Phase II COBRE investigators. Aim 6. To facilitate interactions of the Oklahoma Developmental Biology COBRE with other COBREs and with the national program. Aim 7. To provide fiscal management of the COBRE and compliance with regulatory issues. Aim 8. To promote data sharing strategies.