Shared Resource Management

SHARED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center (MECCC) Shared Resources (SRs) support the entire range of cancer-focused basic, clinical, multidisciplinary, and population sciences and provide access to MECCC members to state-of-the-art methodology and instrumentation, high-level expertise and instruction, and cost-effective sources of research support. MECCC SRs are closely aligned with the scientific strategic priorities of the MECCC. They greatly facilitate research investigating cancer biology at the molecular, cellular and organismic level, including the biology and signaling that are directly relevant to the unique Bronx patient population served by MECCC; development and evaluation of new cancer therapeutics; and identification of genetic, epidemiological, behavioral, and environmental causality in our catchment area. Additional SRs promote the acquisition, storage, and analysis of patient sample and the management and coordination of clinical trials within the MECCC catchment area for ongoing cancer-focused research. MECCC SRs are managed at multiple levels to ensure a high quality of services, responsiveness to MECCC members, and alignment with the MECCC Strategic Plan. Management tools and strategies include input to the SR directors from expert User Advisory Committees and survey data from MECCC membership; monitoring of SR performance by the Shared Resource Oversight Committee (SROC), which is chaired by the Associate Director for SR; monthly Research Leadership Council (RLC) meetings with all MECCC SR Directors and Program Leaders; meetings with the Excellence in Career Enrichment Leadership (ExCEL) Committee, composed of junior and mid-level faculty members; and direct reporting by the Associate Director for SR to the Senior Leadership Team of the MECC. MECCC SRs are managed in partnership with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Einstein) such that MECCC contributions are used to leverage substantial institutional support. As such, oversight of SR finances is conducted on a quarterly basis by the Associate Director for SR and the Deputy Director for Administration, in collaboration with senior administrative officials from the Dean’s office. Leveraging Einstein support has greatly facilitated the expansion of SR services and acquisition of innovative new instrumentation in multiple SRs. Moreover, these quarterly meetings with the Dean’s office ensure that MECCC priorities are recognized. Our active engagement with MECCC membership through user surveys, User Advisory Committees, Research Leadership Council, and ExCEL Committee provide critical guidance in shaping new initiatives within our MECCC SR program. Future initiatives focus on developing and implementing innovative new technologies, services, and expansion of critical SR personnel; enhancing coordination between MECCC SRs; expanding education and training initiatives; and expanding administrative infrastructure and support.