NM-INBRE Participant Memorandum of Understanding Purpose New Mexico IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (NM-INBRE): The NM INBRE is funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), (PAR-12-205) NIH Grant Number P20GM103451. NM- INBRE is a statewide network that supports faculty and student research experiences. The NM-INBRE promotes biomedical and community based research in the state of New Mexico through the development of innovative, supportive and sustainable research environments for faculty and students, community engaging health initiatives, while building a network of lead scientists and educators at the state, regional, and national level. For more information on the NM INBRE visit: www.nminbre.org Additional opportunities for research collaboration, access to core facilities, mentoring, and student training are available through the Mountain West Research Consortium (MWRC) in these states: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming. For more information on the MWRC visit: www.mountainwestconsortium.org Access to core facilities and instrumentation is also available through the Network of IDeA-funded Core Laboratories (NICL) at http://niclweb.org and through the Vermont Genetics Network, in their searchable database of IDeA-funded resources at http://vgn.uvm.edu/corefacilities/ Organization The organizational structure of the NM-INBRE includes New Mexico State University (NMSU) as the lead institution, with research-oriented, research-intensive doctoral degree granting programs at this institution and at both the University of New Mexico (UNM) main campus and its Health Sciences Center (HSC). The scientific partner institutions include Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT), New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU), Western New Mexico University (WNMU), Northern New Mexico College (NNMC), San Juan College (SJC), the National Center for Genome Resources (NCGR), and the Pueblo of Zuni. Programmatic activities and funding are coordinated through the Administrative Core (AC). Research activities are coordinated through the Developmental Research Project Program. Sequencing and bioinformatics support is provided through the Sequencing and Bioinformatics Core (SBC) located at NCGR. Programmatic policies for the operation of the network are established and enacted through the Steering Committee (SC). The External Advisory Committee (EAC) provides programmatic advice and direction, scientific expertise in the thematic research focus areas, oversight, and formative 1 of 10 Revised 11/11/2016
evaluation. The development and support of the NM-INBRE Network and its activities are accomplished through the cooperative efforts and collaboration of these components. 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 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 also directs the Administrative Core and is responsible for management, staffing, and resource allocation. Program Coordinator The PC is a member of the administrative core and the Steering Committee. The PC will complement the administrative efforts of the PD/PI and act as a liaison between the lead institution and the partner institutions in the network. The PC will direct the NM-INBRE Summer Experience (NISE) Program, which will identify promising students at formative stages of their STEM education and development from the network of INBRE institutions in New Mexico. The PC is responsible for developing and directing additional approaches that enhance student research experience through the network. The PC also serves as a conduit for investigator access to developmental tools that enhance their competitiveness in pursuing and procuring extramural funding for their work. Also the PC works to improve investigator access to instrumentation, services, and collaborations within and outside the network. Steering Committee/ Institutional Liaisons The Steering Committee (SC) consists of the PI as chairperson, the PC, the lead institution s Vice President for Research (NMSU), the Sequencing and Bioinformatics Core (SBC) Director, the UNM-HSC, and up to two Institutional Liaisons from each of the partner institutions; one of the liaisons is a senior administrative person and the other can be someone with scientific expertise and background. The SC may include additional persons, not to exceed a total 20 members. The SC establishes programmatic policies and operating procedures of both itself and the NM-INBRE. The SC establishes rules governing the composition of the EAC, including the tenure of the chairperson, and develop strategies for interaction with the EAC. In consultation with the PI, the SC selects core directors. In conjunction with the UNM-HSC, the SC provides management oversight for the development of an evaluation plan to determine the impact of the NM-INBRE. The SC participates in the review study section and recommends candidate investigators for new and replacement/substitute projects for inclusion in the Developmental Research Project Program. The SC regularly oversees the Developmental Research Project Program and annually reviews the progress of faculty investigators. This oversight and input is in addition to that provided by the EAC and may not act as a substitute for the EAC. The SC meets at least semi-annually and additionally, as needed. Each institution selects at least one, but no more than two representatives to serve as SC members/institutional Liaisons. Liaisons coordinate NM-INBRE administrative activities at the respective institutions and identify priorities, interests, and internal perspectives, in 2 of 10 Revised 11/11/2016
order to represent the organization and to effectively communicate with network entities. Liaisons are responsible for the dissemination of NM-INBRE network information and research opportunities at their institution, help to identify new eligible faculty, and serve as the first contact for programmatic inquiries originating at their institution. Liaisons regularly interact with INBRE-funded faculty research investigators at their institution, assist with the development of research programs and career plans, facilitate and monitor mentoring relationships, discuss SC/EAC progress reviews, represent the needs and interests of students in order to increase student participation in biomedical research, and communicate with other faculty, administrators, and facility directors at the institution. These interactions are critical for the development of faculty and students, help to effectively utilize institutional resources, and reinforce the commitment to collegial working relationships across department lines. Liaisons are responsible for the dissemination and oversight of individual research project funds and regularly interact with institutional grant management personnel to facilitate annual budget development and monitoring. Liaisons personally manage an administrative budget to support faculty and student travel to INBRE conferences, workshops, and lecture series. Liaisons coordinate the annual reporting activities of the institution and its INBRE-supported participants, according to the requirements and timeline defined by the INBRE Administrative Core. This includes individual research progress reports, as well as reports of the network s institutional impact, as defined through metrics in the network s evaluation plan. Examples of institutional impact metrics include increases in overall research activity, research/training opportunities, new curricula, courses and programs, student involvement and graduation rates, as well as evidence of departmental and cultural changes, and impact on the local community and workforce. The SC has established a policy for the resolution of conflicts available at: http://nminbre.org/index.php/nm-inbre-conflict-of-resolution-policy. Disputes between or among any of the parties to the Agreement, which cannot otherwise be resolved collegially, shall be forwarded to the SC for resolution. UNM-Health Sciences Center Liaison The UNM-Health Sciences Center Liaison (UNM-HSC) provides advice and leadership for the scientific development of the network of biomedical researchers participating in the NM-INBRE program. The UNM-HSC is a member of the NM-INBRE Steering Committee and interacts with the Administrative Core, Bioinformatics and Sequencing Core, and External Advisory Committee. The UNM-HSC works with the PC to provide oversight for the Developmental Research Project Program and provides scientific advice to faculty investigators, including advice for the identification of possible mentors and research collaborators. The UNM-HSC works with the faculty investigators and institutional liaisons to identify and address specific research needs or existing problems. The UNM-HSC makes recommendations for specific programmatic support activities, including workshop topics, invited speakers for conferences and seminar series. The UNM-HSC coordinates the proposal/application review process, and chairs the scientific review study section that, together with the SC and EAC, selects new and replacement/substitute projects for inclusion in the Developmental Research Project Program. 3 of 10 Revised 11/11/2016
Zuni Health Education Initiative The NM-INBRE supports the Zuni Health Education Initiative (ZHI) (since 2008) under the leadership of Dr. Vallabh Shah at UNM HSC, who will serve on the SC as an additional liaison for UNM. ZHI is a Health, Education and Disparity based CBPR research project which addresses significant health disparities affecting the community of Zuni Pueblo in the area of obesity-related chronic conditions (diabetes, kidney, and cardiovascular disease). The research approach involves lifestyle and behavioral modification and education. With oversight from the Tribal Advisory Panel, ZHI serves as an incubator for health research, community engagement, and education with links to the Indian Health Services (IHS) Hospital and other partners and programs. These interactions increase the capacity of researchers to work together with the health care system to promote sustainable, outcome-based research and programs that benefit the Zuni community. ZHI collaborates with the local IHS hospital and other Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, Public Law 93-638 programs, including Zuni Healthy Lifestyle, Zuni Special Diabetes Prevention Program, Zuni Wellness Center, Zuni Teen Health Center, Zuni Senior Center, and Zuni Recovery Center. External Advisory Committee The External Advisory Committee (EAC) is composed of at least three but no more than five individual representatives with scientific expertise in the thematic focus areas of Structure & Function of Biomolecules, Cell & Organism, Pathogens, Bioinformatics and Genomics, and Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). EAC members provide specific expertise in basic and translational research within the six identified Signature Program areas of the UNM HSC Clinical and Translational Science Center (Brain and Behavioral Health; Cancer; Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases; Child Health; Environmental Health; Infectious Disease and Immunity). EAC members are selected by the SC. The EAC provides advice to the PI and SC on scientific, administrative, and other matters. The EAC monitors the individual scientific development of investigators, and the ongoing progress of the NM-INBRE program. The EAC also reviews and recommends candidate investigators for new and replacement/substitute projects, as required, before such requests are forwarded to the NIGMS for Programmatic Review. EAC activities 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 annual evaluation of individual research project progress. The EAC meets at least twice annually and submits a written report to the PI in coordination with program evaluation. The PD/PI shares the advice and critiques provided by the EAC with other INBRE investigators and the Steering Committee of the network. A summary of the issues discussed at each EAC meeting, recommendations made, and actions taken are included in the annual yearly progress reports. 4 of 10 Revised 11/11/2016
Administrative Core The Administrative Core (AC) consists of the PI, Dr. Shelley Lusetti, Ph.D., the PC, Dr. Jeffrey Arterburn, Ph.D., and two professional staff positions: Program Operations & Evaluation Director and Network Program Manager; served by Laura Haas, M.S., and Suzanna Burlingham, B.A., respectively. The Administrative Core provides a central office responsible for coordination of programmatic activities, network communications, and interactions with the advisory committees, mentoring, outreach, program evaluation, and fulfillment of agency reporting requirements. The AC further provides cohesiveness for the Network through logistical support and the dissemination of information. The AC maintains a website for the NM-INBRE (http://www.nminbre.org) hosted by NCGR as part of the SBC. Sequencing and Bioinformatics Core The Sequencing and Bioinformatics Core (SBC) provides bioinformatics analysis capabilities and sequencing technologies to support hypothesis and discovery-driven research in the thematic areas of the New Mexico INBRE. The SBC consists of the SBC Director and staff from the National Center for Genome Resources (NCGR). The SBC Director reports to the PI, SC and EAC. The SBC addresses the following service- and research-oriented objectives to help the INBRE consortium meet its stated goals: (1) advance cutting-edge knowledge discovery through innovative bioinformatics analysis techniques, resources, and tools; (2) deliver and develop ground-breaking nextgeneration sequencing technologies and resources; (3) engage the network in education and training through outreach, mentorships, internships, and symposia; (4) build and maintain research-enabling IT infrastructure and mechanisms for communication within the network and to the public. Developmental Research Project Program The NM INBRE program provides a competitive process for selection of proposals for developmental pilot research projects. Award types include Focus Research Projects and Full Pilot Research Projects. Specific requirements and details are provided in the NM- INBRE Call for Proposals. The primary goals 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. Awards may be renewed on an annual basis; all funded awards are subject to annual progress evaluations. The thematic research focus areas include: 1) Structure & Function of Biomolecules; 2) Cell and Organism; 3) Pathogens; 4) Bioinformatics and Genomics; 5) Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). The NM INBRE research focus areas align with the Signature Program areas of the UNM Health Sciences Center (HSC) and Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC), in order to enrich the environment for the advancement of clinical/translational research and to support comprehensive research programs that have "bench to bedside" and community components. Signature Programs are focused on critical health problems and include the following: Brain and Behavioral Health; Cancer; Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases; Child Health; Environmental Health; Infectious Disease and Immunity. For more information on Signature Programs visit: http://hsc.unm.edu/research/info/programs.shtml 5 of 10 Revised 11/11/2016
Programmatic assessment of NM-INBRE funded research progress includes the following criteria: Publication in peer-reviewed journals acknowledging NM-INBRE funding Adhere to the NIH open-access policy at the time of manuscript submission by ensuring that all publications will have a PMCID number. Following publication, post to PubMed Central. * (Failure to obtain the PMCID designation for publications will delay continued NIH funding for the entire program). Presentation at scientific meetings Submission of external grant proposals Participation in collaborative research Student development and research training Community-based participatory research impacts and relationships (where applicable) Other contributions to NM-INBRE Network activities Focus Research Projects Short-term and/or small-scale Focus Research Project opportunities are available through a competitive application process and may include Sequencing/Bioinformatics Projects, Community-Based Participatory Research Projects, Zuni Health/Education/Disparity Research Projects, and Mini-Sabbaticals. Application instructions and forms are provided at http://www.nminbre.org. The official institutional representative(s) and investigator(s) must agree to the specific terms and adhere to expectations and reporting obligations that are required for awarded projects. Full Research Projects Long term and/or large scale, mentored Full Research Project opportunities are available through a competitive application process and may include projects in any of the NM- INBRE thematic focus research areas. Application instructions and forms are provided at http://www.nminbre.org. The official institutional representative(s) and investigator(s) must agree to the specific terms and adhere to expectations and reporting obligations that are required for awarded projects. Expectations for Full Research Projects Full pilot project funding is provided as a vehicle for obtaining external funding and to provide resources for faculty and student development. Applicants for full pilot research projects must be able to commit a minimum of 50 percent of full-time effort (typically 4.5 person-months during the academic year and/or 1.5 person-months during the summer in a 9 month academic appointment) to conduct the proposed research. Participation is required for these activities: (1) faculty development mentoring program, (2) student development and training, (3) individual research progress, (4) scientific presentations. Additional expectations include initiation of collaborative research, use of shared core * Adherence to the National Institutes of Health open-access policy for publications. Include PMCID in Citations: Anyone submitting an application, proposal or report to the NIH must include the PMC reference number (PMCID) when citing applicable papers that they author or that arise from their NIH-funded research. Please see: http://publicaccess.nih.gov/index.htm or http://publicaccess.nih.gov/include-pmcid-citations.htm for additional information. 6 of 10 Revised 11/11/2016
facilities and resources. Progress in these areas is factored into consideration for continued sponsorship by NM-INBRE, as determined by the annual SC/EAC 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 are assisted through the formalized mentoring program. Mentoring relationships are subject to the expectations defined in the Guidelines for NM-INBRE Faculty Research Mentoring Program. A mentor is an established faculty member with appropriate experience and communication skills to provide guidance and advice that support the mentee s professional development goals, and who has successfully obtained external support from NIH. Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) participants may serve as mentors to INBRE investigators. Mentors are expected to assist with the constructive review of manuscripts and proposals. A schedule of mentor-mentee meetings is required. Additional opportunities for programmatic interactions with mentors are available through participation in workshops, attendance at scientific meetings, and invited lectures. Mentors contribute to the formal process for annual progress evaluation by completing a written report. Mentors are encouraged to communicate and interact with the PC and Institutional Liaison/SC representative on behalf of their mentee during the performance period. Student Training The network serves as an important mechanism for recruiting and training students in biomedical research. NM-INBRE defines this objective as structured involvement and training of undergraduate/graduate students and/or postdoctoral fellows in the funded research projects. Students should be provided opportunities for involvement in network research activities, utilization of shared facilities, attendance at regional and national conferences/workshops, and participation in formal research experiences/internships. Students should also be encouraged to present research findings at scientific meetings, including the annual NM INBRE Symposium, the annual NM Bioinformatics Science and Technology Symposium (NMBIST), and other regional and national IDeA program and scientific society conferences. Project travel funds can be used to support the various training activities, to include the use of shared facilities. Formal research experiences are available through: 1) UNM HSC Undergraduate Pipeline Network (UPN); 2) NM-INBRE Summer Experience (NISE) for undergraduate students; 3) NCGR Bioinformatics Undergraduate/Graduate Internship; 4) other NIGMS IDeA/TWD student research programs. These collective efforts provide a cohesive network for training students to enter careers in basic, translational, clinical, and community-based research. Individual Research Progress The progress of research projects is evaluated using programmatic evaluation procedures and tools, annual progress reviews, and through research presentations at the annual NM-INBRE Symposium. The purpose of this evaluation is to provide formal recommendations to facilitate the scientific maturation of individual projects, promote the professional development of investigators, and 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 and network activities collected through the 7 of 10 Revised 11/11/2016
administrative office as part of Program Evaluation. Scholarly and network activities include publications in peer-reviewed journals acknowledging INBRE funding, 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, student development and research training, community-based impacts and relationships (where applicable). Other contributions to the NM-INBRE network include development of new courses, organization of meetings, community and education outreach, and other related activities. The initial 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 level of review. The final recommendations are provided to the entire SC and EAC, and the individual reviews are distributed to the respective investigators. The following descriptors define Full Research Project investigator progress: Stage I Investigator: actively developing a research program, setting up laboratory facilities, initiating student mentoring, hiring personnel, initiating scientific contacts and collaborations, participating in specialized training activities, developing research proposals, interacting with scientific mentor. Stage II Investigator: directing an active research program characterized by laboratory personnel and student involvement, scientific contacts and collaborations, submission of manuscripts for publication, submission of research proposals, and success in publishing original research and/or obtaining additional external funding of less than $100K direct costs. Independent Investigator: having successfully met the criteria for completion of NM-INBRE project support with an established research program sustained by external funding of greater than $100K direct costs. Investigators who have achieved independent status are encouraged to continue participation in the INBRE network through leadership roles, mentoring, collaborative research, and eligibility for INBRE sponsored travel and activities. Scientific Presentations The annual NM-INBRE Symposium provides an opportunity for the interaction of all program participants and for dissemination of research results through presentations. Current Full Research Project investigators are required to give an oral presentation of their research. Focus Research Project investigators are required to have a poster presentation. Involvement in the organization and operation of this meeting are considered as valuable service contributions. Investigators are encouraged to have their students present posters. Mentors are invited 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. NM- INBRE participants are also encouraged to attend and present at the annual NM Bioinformatics, Science, and Technology (NMBIST) Symposium and at other regional and national IDeA program and scientific society conferences/workshops. 8 of 10 Revised 11/11/2016
Collaborative Research The program supports the formation of strong research collaborations as part of a multidisciplinary research network. It is expected that NM-INBRE investigators will seek opportunities to form scientific collaborations. These opportunities may include interactions with mentors, as well as peers and other experts. These relationships should be directed towards obtaining initial results and publications that support the submission of multi-investigator research proposals, and can provide an accessible mechanism for increasing external funding at partner institutions. Collaborators are encouraged to follow the recommendations to avoid potential conflicts, as outlined in the NM-INBRE policy for conflict resolution. 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 IDeAeligible institution may be transferred via subcontract to a consortium partner institution in a non-idea state. IDeA funds may be used in other IDeA and non-idea states for feefor-service type of activities. Interactions and cross-collaborations among INBRE, COBRE and NIGMS Training and Workforce Development (TWD) programs to enhance communication among programs, leverage resources where appropriate, and provide students a broad continuum of research opportunities are strongly encouraged. Bioinformatics and Sequencing Technical bioinformatics expertise, including sequencing, data management and analysis tools, is increasingly 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 follows: 1) successful attainment of project goals and external funding to support the continuation of the project, or 2) SC/EAC determination that the project has achieved project goals and preliminary results that are sufficient for submission of external proposals, or 3) SC/EAC determination that the desired project goals and/or professional development will not be met with continued funding. 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. 9 of 10 Revised 11/11/2016
NM-INBRE Participant Memorandum of Understanding Please print and complete this page. I have read and agree to the terms of the Participant Memorandum of Understanding adopted by the NM-INBRE network. Publish in peer-reviewed journals acknowledging NM-INBRE funding Adhere to the NIH open-access policy at the time of manuscript submission by ensuring that all publications will have a PMCID number. Following publication, post to PubMed Central. (Failure to obtain the PMCID designation for publications will delay continued NIH funding for the entire program). Present research findings at scientific meetings Submit external grant proposals Participate in collaborative research Support student development and research training Engage in community-based participatory research and relationships (where applicable) Contribute to NM-INBRE Network activities Respond in a timely manner to requests for progress data, research findings, administrative information, and institutional impacts of the NM-INBRE Program Printed Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) Title Role(s) in NM-INBRE (Faculty Investigator, Mentor, Core Director, SC Member, EAC Member, etc. list each role if multiple) Signature Date When completed, please send an electronic copy of the signed, scanned signature page to nminbre@nmsu.edu You may also opt to send the signed original hardcopy to NM-INBRE Program Specialist New Mexico State University P.O. Box 30001, MSC 3C Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001 10 of 10 Revised 11/11/2016