Developing a Culture of Biomedical Research at the University of the Virgin Islands

PROJECT SUMMARY This proposal will enhance and innovate the biomedical research infrastructure and training at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), the only higher educational institution in the US Virgin Islands (USVI). The overall objective of this proposal is to provide the highest level of sponsored program services for biomedical research by developing a culture of research through training, mentoring, collaboration and a strong infrastructure. UVI’s vision is to develop research resulting in an increase in the number of faculty conducting excellent externally funded biomedical research who will be able to mentor undergraduate students with potential for careers in science. There are several motivating factors for this project: (1) Diversity in the scientific workforce is key to the future biomedical discoveries that will improve the health of the Nation, and HBCUs such as UVI have an important role to play in training students who are underrepresented in science. (2) The USVI is a medically underserved area that experiences dramatic health disparities and emerging diseases including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and the more recent coronavirus, which are important not only in the Caribbean but are also increasing on the US mainland. Little research on population health has been performed in the USVI and UVI continues to look at research in these areas. (3) Extensive undergraduate research experience is essential to prepare students for highly competitive doctoral programs. Although UVI has very successful programs that mentor undergraduates in research, there are many more UVI students interested in research experience than can be accommodated in externally funded research laboratories. (4) UVI has established a culture of innovation in its 2018-2023 Strategic Plan and through this research infrastructure and innovation is a primary focus area and is supported by the President and senior leadership. The UVI Institutional Development Plan (IDP) addresses barriers to research and informs the Specific Aims of this proposal: (1) Develop UVI’s research administration leadership and organization such that it is well-trained, resourced, and motivated to support a culture of research. (2) Develop research review and training programs for research faculty to increase the number and improve the competitiveness of proposal submissions (3) Increase mentorship and training opportunities for undergraduates in biomedical research by supporting faculty to receive external funding. This program is innovative because it will fully integrate the IDP for research within UVI’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan, providing strong institution-wide commitment. Research and training innovations include targeted training initiatives covering the life cycle of research, increased outreach efforts, training and grant writing initiatives and focus groups of HBCU research administrators to overcome the barrier of geographic isolation. UVI’s logic model will be used to ensure that each activity will contribute to a sustainable vision for research and to developing a University-wide culture supporting research.