# CONNECT: Collaborative Network for Nurturing Ecosystems of Common Fund Team Science

> **NIH NIH U54** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2024 · $493,553

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY – ADMINISTRATIVE CORE
The Administrative Core of the CONNECT Integration and Coordination Center (ICC), led by Prof. Jake Chen
and Dr. Swathi Thaker from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), is dedicated to driving the success
of the Common Fund Data Ecosystem (CFDE) through innovative and impactful initiatives. Our core team at
UAB focuses on efficient operations, transparent communication, and continuous improvement in team science
practices to revolutionize biomedical research. By developing comprehensive operation guidelines and
engagement protocols, we ensure seamless integration and coordination within the CFDE, fostering effective
collaboration and maximizing research impact. Leveraging our expertise in agile project management and the
cutting-edge U-BRITE platform, we optimize workflows, enhance communication, and allocate resources
efficiently, pushing the boundaries of research efficiency and innovation. Through CFDE annual meetings,
multidisciplinary seminar series, and showcases for CF products, we facilitate information exchange, foster
collaboration, and promote the rapid dissemination and discussion of research findings. Our annual CONNECT
hackathon brings together diverse teams to tackle complex challenges, fostering innovation and pushing the
boundaries of scientific discovery. Engaging with CFDE stakeholders and gathering valuable feedback, we
continuously assess and refine our operations to meet the evolving needs of the scientific community. Our work
is not only significant in driving the success of the CFDE but also innovative in its approach, integrating
advanced agile project management and team-based online communication software, promoting open
collaboration, and enhancing research outcomes. Through our commitment to excellence, we strive to
revolutionize biomedical research, catalyze breakthrough discoveries, and improve health outcomes for all.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10876609
- **Project number:** 1U54OD036472-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** Jake Yue Chen
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $493,553
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-04-01 → 2029-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10876609

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10876609, CONNECT: Collaborative Network for Nurturing Ecosystems of Common Fund Team Science (1U54OD036472-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10876609. Licensed CC0.

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