Research Development Core

CORE OVERVIEW

The Research Development Core (RDC) advances the Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center (NSC)’s goals to enable sustained, accelerated progress in the biology of aging and geroscience research by enabling investigators nationwide to access resources and opportunities to conduct rigorous, cutting-edge research in these fields. We focus on early-stage researchers, as well as mid-career and senior investigators seeking to initiate new programs in aging/geroscience.

The RDC provides access to expertise and cutting-edge resources to solve the complex problems of aging and age-related diseases. Researchers are invited to collaborate with our nationally recognized, expert Core Leaders and use Cores and resources that we have developed over the past 10-15 years. Researchers can use the resources of the Center at no cost by applying for Pilot Awards through the RDC.  These NIA sponsored funds are typically reserved for faculty members at the early stages of their career, although senior postdoctoral fellows, and senior investigators that are new to the aging field also may be eligible for funding. Alternatively, investigators routinely use the NSC Cores on a fee-for-service or on a collaborative basis.

Our scientists can assist diverse scientific teams with the integration of theory and the design of aging studies. The Oklahoma NSC also has a high level of expertise in designing and writing grant applications. We are available to help you develop the highest quality science and obtain the most reliable results for your studies.

In addition, the RDC advances the Center’s goal by fostering careers of the next generation of researchers focused on mechanisms of aging and age-related disease.  Early-stage investigators are mentored (a) through our research cores and continuing interactions with the Center, (b) by intensive mentoring through our Mentorship Program and (c) through guidance and mentoring in the generation of competitive K-type and F-type grant applications at our K/F-Troop Workshops.

Lastly, the RDC works with the Administrative/Program Enrichment Core to disseminate knowledge widely in the research community and the general public through the Outreach and Communications (OAC) component, which also ensures that all activities of the NSC are consistent with NIH’s principles and policies.