ITHS Cores

We are staffed by scientists, biostatisticians, software engineers, and other trained staff, and are organized into divisional units called cores. These cores work together to provide consults and resources to researchers in academia and the community throughout the research process.

Foster innovative research and research partnerships

• Preclinical Research Development Network (PRDN)- Via education, consultation and funding, PRDN helps investigators prepare innovative ideas for human testing and commercialization.
• Biomedical Informatics (BMI)- BMI gives investigators biomedical informatics toolkits (both physical and intellectual) to manage and interpret complex data, and to allow data to be shared in a facile manner across ITHS sites and core functions. The BMI core also conducts research in bioinformatics data integration, clinical experimental management systems, ontologies and bioinformatics tool design.
• Community Outreach and Research Translation (CORT)- Using resources adapted from Group Health Research Institute, research networks will be built in Native American/Alaska Native communities as well as in WWAMI clinical practice sites. The networks will perform and participate in ITHS research.  Also includes a pilot program to create a research network among NCRR-funded programs to enhance collaboration and leverage resources in the Washington--Wyoming--Alaska--Montana--Idaho region.

Create and sustain research resources

• Center for Biomedical Statistics (CBS)-  CBS provides investigators and trainees with statistical guidance and education regarding design and analysis options. CBS also collaborates with Biomedical Informatics on data collection and quality assurance review. CBS will engage in methodological research on topics inspired by interactions with ITHS trainees and investigators.
• Clinical Research Center Network (CRCN)-  A network of centers that offer physical locations where patients may be seen for research purposes; sample collection and storage; and capacities for therapeutic and specimen collection studies.
• Translational Technologies and Resources (TTRC)- This core supports and enhances access to existing resources and fosters the development of new technologies and research partnerships. Key initiatives include providing an online database of resources, developing educational seminars in technology applications or novel technologies, and reducing institutional barriers to accessing shared resources.
• Regulatory Support and Bioethics (RSB)- The RSB Core provides assistance and education to help investigators improve quality and compliance with federal, state and institutional regulations. A new pool of research coordinators is available, as is assistance with developing or implementing data and safety monitoring plans and study-related documents. RSB also conducts research on bioethical issues in translational research and offers 24/7 on-call research bioethics consultation.

Ensure a translational research pipeline through robust education and career development programs

• Research Education, Training and Career Development (RETCD)- This core offers TL1 (pre-doctoral) and KL2 (post-doctoral) programs, as well as a Master’s tuition support program. The core will develop an ongoing training program in Clinical and Translational Research that will span from TL1 to established researchers. New programs include the week-long Clinical Research “Bootcamp.”  Also provides ITHS Scholar Program (open to all) to track junior investigators, offer them specific didactic training, create multidisciplinary mentoring committees, and support their career advancement.
• Center for Scientific Review (CSR)-  CSR manages a series of review panels for pilot projects and ITHS resources. The core offers review services with other centers and programs. Young investigators learn grant review via the CSR.

Overall foundation and evaluation

• Leadership and Administration - These cores house the overall direction, financial management and administration for the Institute. In addition, the cores act as an incubator for new programs such as Mentoring and Career Development and the WWAMI Translational Research Consortium.
• Evaluation Research (ERC)- This core qualitatively and quantitatively assesses the local and regional impact of ITHS initiatives and performs independent research on methods to facilitate the translational research process.
• Strategic Development (SD)- To help the Institute unite toward common goals, this core provides an overall strategic mission filter, and a Toyota Lean continuous performance improvement program, in addition to a Portal service that helps investigators navigate the translational research environment.