# Research Capacity Core

> **NIH NIH U54** · MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $833,146

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY – Research Capacity Core
The proposal aims to provide resources and expertise to enhance biomedical research quality and productivity
through a Morgan State University (MSU) RCMI Research Capacity Core (RCC). With current funding support
by NIMHD/RCMI and NIH/NIGMS/BUILD, MSU has established three biomedical core facilities as follows: (a) A
Molecular and Cellular Biology Core (MCB) that offers routine and advanced research instrumentation and
training in a diversity of research technologies; (b) An Animal Research Facility (ARF) that has obtained NIH
OLAW assurance and provides consultation, training, and animal care; and (c) A Biostatistics and Bioinformatics
Support Unit (BBSU) that provides consultation and training in quantitative research methods. Based on reviews,
project evaluations, user feedback, and the projected research directions (including RCMI research projects and
pilot projects), we propose to further enhance the resources and services through the following specific aims: (1)
acquire research instrumentation and technologies to enhance the research capacity of the existing Cores and
thereby increase research quality and productivity at MSU; (2) revamp current management structures and
institute cost recovery systems to further institutionalize the resources and engender long-term sustainability;
and (3) facilitate collaborations between researchers across disciplines and institutions with a view of promoting
impactful team science. Under the proposed scope, instrumentation will be purchased to meet the needs of the
three proposed RCMI projects, planned pilot projects, and other research projects at the university. New
equipment for genomics and genetics analyses will support the proposed basic biomedical research project and
the behavioral research project. The current cell analysis capabilities will be expanded with the acquisition of a
benchtop flow cytometer capable of multiplex fluorophores to support the behavioral research project, pilot
projects, and ongoing projects on cancer and cell biology. Data analysis and archiving will be expanded with the
purchase of computers and relevant software to allow HIPAA-compliant informatics to meet the needs of the
behavioral research project and clinical project. The RCC will strengthen core laboratory management practices
by implementing new laboratory management software and drawing on more faculty expertise. A sustainability
plan will include cost-recovery efforts and continued institutionalization of some RCC functions. The BBSU will
promote the use of national data such as All of Us data and promote engagement with the NIH Clinical and
Translational Sciences Award (CTSA) programs. In collaboration with the Investigator Development Core and
Community Engagement Core, the RCC will support pilot and community-based projects. The RCC will also
engage the Baltimore community in education, research, and disseminate current scientific advances related to
healthy urban co...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11002065
- **Project number:** 2U54MD013376-06A1
- **Recipient organization:** MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** JAMES M WACHIRA
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $833,146
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2019-07-31 → 2029-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11002065

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11002065, Research Capacity Core (2U54MD013376-06A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11002065. Licensed CC0.

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