NETWORK CORE – PROJECT SUMMARY We request support for a Network Core as a component of an adjoined U2C/TL1 to support kidney, urology, and hematology research in the San Diego area. The Network Core is led by 3 MPIs, each representing a lead from 3 outstanding research institutions in the area, UC San Diego (UCSD), The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), and San Diego State University (SDSU), and is designed to develop a vibrant, “research home” for investigators working in and training in KUH research from across the region and across all career stages. The Network will support an extensive collection of meetings and symposia, many offered both in-person to foster community, and virtually to facilitate ease of access across the region. These include weekly work-in- progress meetings, quarterly KUH grand rounds, and annual symposia. We have designed the Network to support efforts to facilitate collaboration across KUH mission areas throughout all aspects of the Network. This includes a U2C funded KUH Cross-Pollination Pilot Grant program where faculty and scholars from different KUH disciplines collectively conduct projects, U2C funded short-term grants for high school and undergraduate students to engage in KUH research to prime the pipeline for future years. The Network is also designed to heavily engage communities and potential scholars from URM backgrounds, partnering with local high schools with high proportion URM students, and with SDSU where nearly 30% of students are from URM backgrounds. Finally, the Network supports a vibrant and successful “One-Step-Ahead” mentorship program, where near peer mentors are engaged to support current scholars. All these resources are bolstered by the already available conferences and symposia of the home departments, and the outstanding scientific environment available in San Diego. All of these resources will enrich the KUH research environment for future scientists, current TL1 scholars, and established research faculty alike. With highly successful and engaged TL1 faculty, pilot grants to foster collaboration across KUH disciplines, and to drive young scientists into KUH research careers, a vibrant “research home”, this Network Core is positioned to support the outstanding scientists in KUH research topics and TL1 scholars, and supply the workforce with innovative, committed scientists making groundbreaking discoveries in KUH throughout their careers. The Network Core will deliver Aim 3 of the overall U2C/TL1, “To cultivate a vibrant, integrated, collaborative environment in the greater San Diego area across the career stage continuum to develop the next generation of highly impactful kidney, urologic, and hematologic researchers.”