JH-EPICS Administrative Core

JH-EPICS ADMINISTRATIVE CORE SUMMARY The primary goal of the Johns Hopkins Excellence in Pathogenesis and Immunity Center for SARS-CoV-2 (JH- EPICS) is to systematically evaluate innate, T cell, and antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and serological samples from COVID-19 patients. Through in depth analyses, the JH- EPICS will identify the modifiers of the immune response and severe COVID-19 and isolate the cellular and molecular targets for COVID-19 treatments as well as the correlates of protection necessary for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced immunity. The primary objective of the JH-EPICS Administrative Core (AC) is to provide centralized management, leadership, mentoring, sharing, and dissemination of the data from the proposed Research Projects and Cores in JH-EPICS to ensure that the overarching research goals can be met. The first Aim, under the Multiple PI leadership of Drs. Sabra Klein and Andrea Cox, will be to provide administrative and budgetary management as well as scientific leadership and communication for JH-EPICS. The JH-EPICS AC will distribute funds, organize monthly research meetings, and ensure integration of the JH-EPICS into the COVID-19 research and educational networks at Johns Hopkins University. The AC will also develop standard operating procedures for reviewing requests for specimens from the biorepository and their distribution as well as the collection, processing, and sharing of data generated by the JH-EPICS and approved by the SeroNet Steering Committee. The second Aim of the JH-EPICS AC will be to foster engagement with SeroNet and other network activities. The JH-EPICS AC will participate in all trans-SeroNet initiatives, including establishment of trans-SeroNet collaborative research projects. Finally, the third Aim of the JH-EPICS AC will be to enhance dissemination of research findings from the JH-EPICS and establish an evaluation plan. Dissemination of research findings from the JH-EPICS will involve publications and dissemination of results at the annual SeroNet meeting, national and international meetings of professional societies, and the monthly Center-wise research meetings. Development of a JH-EPICS website and social media presence will further assist with dissemination of research findings to a broader audience. Finally, the JH-EPICS AC will establish a rigorous evaluation plan, including annual progress reports, site visits, and requested documents (e.g., SOPs) from NIH. The goal will be to ensure appropriate management and productive dissemination of research and data from JH-EPICS to the broader community, including through public outreach.