The
UIC application for an NIH-supported CRC required extraordinary
intellectual and financial support from a large number
of individuals and administrative units. The purpose of
this strategic plan is focus on what must be done now
to insure that the CRC achieves its goals. Specifically,
the CRC will succeed and will remain competitive for
continued funding only if the University's financial support
and commitment to clinical research remains strong. This
strategic plan identifies areas where University support
is critical. It also identifies benchmarks for the leadership
of the CRC and for those at the University who wish to
evaluate its progress.
The
following goals are based on the plans set out in the
successful grant application and the comments received
from the NIH review. Additional input was received from
the CRC staff and the CRC Scientific Advisory Committee
and the final version was approved by the Committee.
Encourage
and facilitate the recruitment of new clinical investigators
to UIC at both the starting and senior levels.
Continue
to recruit projects, especially those of the quality and
significance that characterize those that are presented
at a competing continuation site-visit.
Establish means to identify these projects. Make it attractive
for such projects to use the CRC.
Increase
the visibility of the CRC on campus.
Publicize the resources of the Center to all sectors of
the University community.
Implement
the full CRC educational plan. Utilize the expertise
of the Department of Medical education in the continued
development and evaluation of the plan.
Maintain
comprehensive, user-friendly, cutting-edge resources to
support patient oriented research.
Obtain regular input from the investigator-users of the
CRC about its operation. Remain aware of the evolution
of the CRC program nationally. Maintain close relations
with the other Chicago-area CRCs. Emphasize the continuing
education of the CRC staff.
Solidify
and strengthen relationships with other campus units.
The CRC cores (statistical, database management, laboratory,
dietary) should collaborate with the Data Mining Center,
Quantitative Core in the School of Public Health, etc...
Identify
and implement ways to strengthen the interactions between
the Main unit and Psychiatry unit.
Optimize
utilization
Operate in a cost-efficient manner with efficient and
timely management systems. Work toward a level of utilization
in accord with the grant award.
Identify
opportunities for the CRC staff to participate, as investigators
or co-investigators, in clinical research projects.
Maintain
the "strong commitment to inclusion of under-represented
minorities into clinical research studies" cited
by the NIH review.
Address
the weakness cited by the NIH review.
Assure continued funding of the program directors, increase
the space available for the laboratory and waiting area,
work with the IRB and evaluate how the Core Laboratory
can better help the investigators.
