NM-INBRE Participant Memorandum of Understanding

Purpose

The purpose of the NM-INBRE program is to strengthen biomedical research in New Mexico’s institutions of higher education and to prepare faculty and students for participation in the research programs of the National Institutes of Health. While recognizing the differences that exist among the participating institutions, the program is dedicated to helping create strong, supportive research environments for faculty and students, and facilitating communication and collaborations among these research institutions.

Organization

The organizational structure of the NM-INBRE includes New Mexico State University (NMSU) as the lead institution.  The University of New Mexico (UNM) will also be included as a research-intensive doctoral degree granting institution. The scientific partner institutions include Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT), New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU), San Juan College (SJC), the non-profit organization Dialysis Clinic, Inc. engaged in a Zuni community based ZKP Health Initiative, and the National Center for Genome Resources (NCGR). Programmatic activities and funding are coordinated through the Administrative Core (AC).  Research activities are coordinated through the Steering Committee (SC). The Bioinformatics and Sequencing Core (BSC) provides new research tools and training to address the research needs of the subprojects, including new tools for transcriptomic and genomic sequencing and analysis. The Chemical Biology and Screening Collaborative (CBSC) provides multidisciplinary, collaborative research core with expertise, infrastructure and enabling technology that facilitates the discovery and translation of biological results into new therapeutics, diagnostics and interventions. Programmatic policies for the operation of the network are established and enacted through The Steering Committee (SC). The External Advisory Committee (EAC) provides advice and direction for the research and bioinformatics initiatives. The development and support of the NM-INBRE Network and its activities is accomplished through the cooperative efforts and collaboration of these components.

Bioinformatics and Sequencing Core

The Bioinformatics and Sequencing Core (BSC) consists of the Bioinformatics Core Director and staff from the National Center of Genome Resources (NCGR), and interested faculty comprising a Bioinformatics and Sequencing Working Group (BSWG).  The BSWG will meet at an appropriate frequency to review proposals and award sequencing & analysis services.  The BSC Director and/or BSWG report to the PI and EAC as requested.  The BSC addresses the following service- and research-oriented objectives to help the INBRE consortium meet its stated goals: (1) develop and maintain mechanisms of communicating INBRE activities to all participants and to the general public; (2) promote and provide direct involvement and expertise in sequencing and analysis projects for regional IDeA collaborators; (3) promote and present seminars, workshops, outreach, consulting, credit-based courses, and internship programs for faculty and students in the areas of bioinformatics and sequencing; (4) develop databases & tools to represent, interpret, and evaluate testable hypotheses in the thematic areas of the New Mexico INBRE consortium.

Research Focus Areas

The thematic research focus areas include: 1) Structure & Function of Biomolecules; 2) Cell and Organism; 3) Pathogens.  Additional areas of focus include: the development and application of bioinformatics and genomics; and alignment with basic and translational research within the six identified “Signature Program” areas of the UNM HSC Clinical and Translational Science Center (cancer; infectious disease and immunity; brain and behavioral illnesses; cardiovascular and metabolic disease; child health; and environmental health sciences).

Scientific Objectives

As incentive for participation in the network, the program provides financial support for pilot projects to conduct biomedical research in the research focus areas. The primary goals of financial support are to facilitate the maturation of these pilot projects into competitive NIH proposals, provide support to access core facilities within New Mexico, encourage collaboration, and to help solidify the intellectual and technical aspects of the network.  Pilot projects will be awarded on a yearly basis with possibility for renewal.  Continued funding will be dependent on research progress and contribution to the network as determined through ongoing programmatic evaluation. New proposals will be considered through the project period on an annual cycle.

Expectations of Faculty Investigator Participation

Pilot project funding is provided as a vehicle for obtaining external funding and to provide resources for faculty and student development. It is expected that the research project investigators at the awardee and network partner institutions will devote at least 50 percent of their professional effort (equivalent to 6.0 person months) to career development and research activities. Participation is expected in significant network activities including (1) faculty development mentoring program, (2) student training, (3) individual research progress, (4) network collaborative research, (5) INBRE conferences and meetings, (6) INBRE invited presentations, (7) use of shared core facilities, and (8) bioinformatics.  Progress in these areas will be factored into consideration for continued sponsorship by NM-INBRE, as determined by the annual SC evaluation of individual investigator progress.

Faculty Development-Mentoring Program

A key component of the NM-INBRE is the continued professional development of faculty, leading to advancement and entry into the NIH grant system.  Toward this primary goal, faculty will be assisted through the formalized mentoring program (please refer to the appended mentor relationship agreement).

Student Training

The network serves as an important mechanism for recruiting and training students in biomedical research.  NM-INBRE defines this activity as involvement and training undergraduate and/or graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the funded research.  The training should also include facilitating student participation at the annual INBRE conference, the annual Bioinformatics Symposium, and INBRE sponsored scientific meetings, and encouraging student applications for travel funds relating to research, use of shared facilities, and attendance at regional and national conferences and/or workshops.  Additional training in the form of lectures presented at research and outreach institutions is important for making contacts with students and disseminating research results.  These collective efforts contribute to establishing a pipeline for recruiting students, and will be viewed as an excellent service contribution to the network.

Individual Research Progress

The progress of pilot projects will be evaluated using programmatic evaluation procedures and tools, PHS 2590 progress report forms, and through research presentations at the annual INBRE conference. The Steering Committee (SC) conducts a thorough progress evaluation annually. The purpose of this annual evaluation is to provide formal recommendations to facilitate the scientific maturation of individual pilot projects, promote the professional development of investigators, and to enhance participation in the network. The evaluation includes recommendations for the continuation of pilot project funding periods and identifies specific actions necessary for maintaining satisfactory progress.  The evaluation is based on evidence of scholarly activities collected through the administrative office as part of Program Evaluation. Scholarly activities include publications, attending and presenting research findings at scientific meetings and conferences, proposal development, submission and acquisition of funding from external grant applications to NIH and other Federal and non-Federal agencies, involvement in collaborative research projects, participation in INBRE network activities, offering of new courses and programs, providing research and training experiences to students, and impact on the community. The first stage of the evaluation process is conducted by the SC excluding the Institutional Liaison from the investigators' home institution to avoid potential conflicts. The SC recommendations are summarized and then forwarded to the External Advisory Committee (EAC) for the second stage of review.  The final recommendations are provided to the entire SC and the individual reviews are distributed to the investigators. The following categories are used as descriptors for investigator progress:

§ Stage I Investigator: actively developing a research program, setting up laboratory facilities, purchasing equipment, hiring personnel, initiating scientific contacts and collaborations, participation in specialized training activities.

§ Stage II Investigator: development of a research program characterized by recent publications, submission of research proposals, and success in obtaining additional external funding (<$100K Direct)

§ Associate Investigator: successful establishment of a sustainable research program with continuing participation in the INBRE network through leadership, mentoring, collaborative research, and eligibility for INBRE sponsored travel and activities.

Collaborative Research

The program’s objective involves the formation of strong research collaborations as part of a multidisciplinary research network.  It is expected that faculty investigators will form scientific collaborations during the NM-INBRE funding period.  This includes interactions with mentors, and the identification of research collaborators.  These relationships should be directed towards obtaining initial results and publications that will support the submission of multi-investigator research proposals, and can provide an accessible mechanism for increasing external funding at partner institutions.

Annual INBRE Conference

The annual INBRE conference provides an opportunity for the interaction of all program participants.  It is expected that all faculty investigators present an update of their research, and contribute in service activities associated with the organization and operation of this meeting.  Student researchers should also participate in the conference.  Mentors are encouraged to attend this meeting as part of the regularly scheduled contact with mentees, and since their participation is valuable for building the scientific strength of the network.  The attendance of other institutional administrative representatives and business representatives is also encouraged.

INBRE Presentations

In addition to the annual conference, research results and training activities can be disseminated through participation in INBRE presentations.  These activities include organization of guest lecture series, workshops, videoconferences, faculty/student travel awards, and lectures presented to research and outreach institutions in the network.  Network participants will identify types of developmental activities and topics for lecture series and workshops (i.e. specific research subjects and speakers, grantsmanship, specialized training, ethics, etc.). Students are encouraged to present posters of their work and compete for a student speaking slot at the annual Bioinformatics Symposium and other INBRE-sponsored events and meetings.

Bioinformatics

Technical bioinformatics expertise, including data management and analysis tools, is required for competitive, multi-disciplinary biomedical research.  It is expected that faculty investigators participate in the development and or use of bioinformatics relating to their research.  Bioinformatics training in the forms of lectures, workshops, videoconferences, and course development are also viewed as valuable contributions.

Criteria for Completion of NM-INBRE Project Support

Completion of funding will follow successful attainment of external funding for the pilot project, or upon determination by the SC that the project has achieved preliminary results that are sufficient for submission of external proposals, or SC determination that the desired project goals and/or professional development will not be met with continued funding.

Roles of Other Program Participants

Other network participants include the Principal Investigator (PI), Research Science Core (RSC) Director, Bioinformatics and Sequencing Core (BSC) Director, Institutional Liaisons/Steering Committee (SC) members, External Advisory Committee (EAC) members, mentors, research collaborators,  and facility directors.

Principal Investigator

The PI is responsible for leading the NM-INBRE program as a collaborative effort of all the parties.  The PI holds primary responsibility for funding and administration of the program.  The PI serves as chair of the SC, and coordinates interactions with the EAC.  The PI works closely with the science core director to lead the scientific development of the network.  The PI is responsible for agency reporting, notification of significant changes in scope, budget, or key personnel, and coordination of requests for supplemental funding. The PI will also direct the Administrative Core and is responsible for management, staffing, and resource allocation.

Science Director

The Science Director (SD) provides advice and leadership for the scientific development of the network of biomedical researchers participating in the NM-INBRE program.  The SD is a member of the NM-INBRE Steering Committee and interacts with the Administrative Core, Bioinformatics and Sequencing Core, and External Advisory Committee.  The SD provides advice for the identification of possible mentors and research collaborators.  The SD works with the faculty investigators and institutional liaisons to identify specific research needs or existing problems.  The SD makes recommendations for specific workshop topics, and invited speakers for conferences and seminar series.  The science director coordinates the proposal/project review process.

Institutional Liaison/Steering Committee Members

The Steering Committee (SC) consists of the PI as chairperson, the Vice Provost for Research NMSU, Core Directors, and Institutional Liaisons from each of the participating campuses.  The SC may also include other members from related biomedical research programs including Clinical Translational Science Centers, COBRE, SEPA, and EPScOR. The SC will establish the policies and operating procedures of both itself and the NM-INBRE.  The SC will also develop strategies for interaction with the EAC.  The SC will oversee the development of workshops, lecture series, etc. and will review the progress of faculty and student development.  Any disputes between or among any of the parties to the Agreement, which cannot otherwise be resolved collegially shall be forwarded to the Steering Committee for resolution. The SC will meet at least three times during the first year of the award, and at least semi-annually thereafter.

Each institution will select a representative to serve as a liaison/SC member to represent the institution as part of the INBRE program and provide effective communication with other program entities.  This individual will interact with the faculty research investigators to assist in the development of their research programs.  The liaison will interact with mentors and core facility directors at the institution.  These interactions may involve multiple departments, and effective working relationships across department lines are expected.  The individual will represent the institution’s overall participation in the INBRE program during scheduled meetings of the steering committee.  The liaison will identify new eligible faculty and provide information for INBRE research opportunities.  The liaison will represent the needs and interests of the students from that institution in order to facilitate an increase in the number of students participating in biomedical research.  The liaison will coordinate the reporting activities of the institution according to the timeline defined by the INBRE administrative core.  The liaison will manage a budget that includes funds to compensate effort up to a maximum of ten percent, and travel funds to support faculty and student travel to INBRE conferences, workshops, and lecture series.

External Advisory Committee

The External Advisory Committee (EAC) is composed of individual representatives with scientific expertise in the thematic focus areas of Structure & Function of Biomolecules, Cell & Organism, Pathogens, bioinformatics and genomics, and additional areas aligned with basic and translational research within the six identified “Signature Program” areas of the UNM HSC Clinical and Translational Science Center (cancer; infectious disease and immunity; brain and behavioral illnesses; cardiovascular and metabolic disease; child health; and environmental health sciences). EAC members are selected by the SC.  The EAC will monitor the longitudinal progress of the NM-INBRE scientific development. EAC activities will include participation in the development and planning of concepts and programs, encouragement and assistance for faculty development and mentoring, identification of resources, evaluation of network development, and evaluation of individual research project progress.   The EAC will meet at least twice annually, and submit a written report to the PI.  A summary of the issues discussed at each EAC meeting, recommendations made, and actions taken will be included in the yearly progress reports submitted to the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR).

Mentors

A mentor is an established faculty member who has demonstrated abilities to obtain external support, maintain an independent research program, and has appropriate experience and communication skills to provide guidance and advice on scientific and professional development. In some cases, Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) investigators, where appropriate, may serve as mentors to INBRE investigators. Mentors play a significant role in faculty development as described in the mentoring agreement.  These individuals can also provide a valuable resource for scientific expertise and advice for the broad network of faculty and students.  Opportunities for additional interactions with mentors will be provided at the annual conference, presentations, workshops, and project/proposal review. Mentoring relationships are subject to the expectations defined in the “Guidelines for NM-INBRE Faculty Research Mentoring Program”.

Research Collaborators

Research partners engaged in collaborative research with INBRE investigators are considered to be valuable participants and members of the network. Some applicant institutions may have faculty who hold significant peer-reviewed funding from either federal or private sector sources to conduct research. Those faculty members may be included as mentors, collaborators, and scientific members of a multidisciplinary steering committee. The focus of the planned research network will determine the need for core research facilities and modern instrumentation. Collaborations between or among IDeA eligible states as well as collaborations with institutions in other states is allowable, but no IDeA grant funds awarded to an IDeA-eligible institution may be transferred via subcontract to a consortium partner institution in a non-IDeA state. However, IDeA funds may be used in other IDeA and non-IDeA states for fee-for-service type of activities that include activities associated with collaborative projects, research education and training, sample and data analysis, workshops, etc. Collaborations with investigators from outside an IDeA state are permissible, but must be agreed upon by the INBRE Steering Committee. Interactions and cross-collaborations among INBRE and COBRE programs to enhance communication among programs, leverage resources where appropriate, and provide students a broad continuum of research opportunities are strongly encouraged.

Liability

Each party shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the other Parties and their Agents from and against any and all damages, liabilities, losses, fines, penalties, settlement amounts, cost and expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s fees, expert witnesses and court costs, incurred in connection with any Claim to the extent determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have arisen from the negligence or intentional misconduct of the indemnifying Party or its Agents or resulting from the indemnifying Party’s breach of any of its obligations under this Agreement.  The liability of New Mexico educational institutions party to this agreement will be subject to the immunities and limitations set forth in the New Mexico Tort Claims Act, N.M. STAT ANN § 41-4-1 et seq. (1978, as amended).  None of the parties to this agreement shall be liable for any special, consequential, incidental or indirect damages arising out of or in connection with this agreement.