At the request of the Mississippi IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (MS INBRE), AAAS RCP convened an expert Panel to conduct a site visit and provide independent, external review and guidance of the program.
MS INBRE is a network of colleges and universities dedicated to enhancing the state’s biomedical research infrastructure and training capacity, and is funded by a 5-year (2018-2023), $20M award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The network includes both research institutions and primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs), and has been instrumental in transforming research culture at its geographically remote PUIs.
The expert Panel, consisting of senior-level faculty with experience relevant to the program’s focus and goals and led by RCP’s Dr. Irene Aninye, convened in Mississippi on June 4-7, 2019. Together, they visited a total of five institutions in four cities across the state, covering close to 400 miles during the four-day visit. The itinerary included visits to Mississippi University for Women, Delta State University, Alcorn State University, Tougaloo College, and Millsaps College. In each location, the panel toured facilities and met with institution leadership and researchers. Following the visit, the panel turned their attention to writing a report for MS INBRE leadership, detailing the program’s impact on its partner PUIs and providing recommendations for the network’s development over the next five years of its award. Over the last 18 years, MS INBRE has produced a body of work and positive track record of improving the health of Mississippians and building biomedical research capacity across the state. Their future promises to continue these sustainable efforts.