This application requests support for major renovation of sub-standard
research laboratory space in the Bowen Science Building of the University
of Iowa College of Medicine. The long-term objective is to facilitate and
enhance basic biomedical research, research training and research support
for a multi-investigator Program in Cellular Communication and Signal
Transduction centered in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics.
Specific aims are: 1) creation of state-of-the-art research laboratories
for established and emerging faculty investigators ho will participate in
the Program, 2) renovation of space to establish a new Core Facility for
support of cell biology research., 3) enhancement of scientific
interactions among faculty investigators and their research groups,
including postdoctoral trainees and students, by configuring laboratories
in close proximity to each other, 4) establishment of core space for group
conferences, workshops and seminars to enhance intra and inter-laboratory
communication, including communication with investigators in the Program,
whose laboratories are located in space not proposed for this renovation,
5) creation of a research environment that facilitates the mentoring of
independent junior investigators and minority scientists by outstanding
senior faculty of the Program. The overall goal of this project is to
provide an optimal facility and environment for enhancement of research
productivity and research career development in a high priority area of
PHS-supported basic biomedical science.