Houston Nutrition Obesity Research Center - – OVERALL The Houston – Nutrition and Obesity Research Center (H-NORC), sponsored by Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, in the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical complex, will address a significant need for both Houston and the Gulf region of Texas. Texas is among the top ten states in the U.S. with the highest obesity rates, and the greater Houston metropolitan area has the highest obesity rate within the state. The primary objective of H-NORC is to foster new discoveries and scientific progress by supporting groundbreaking basic, translational, and clinical research in nutrition and obesity with the ultimate goal of enhancing public health. To serve these purposes, we will establish three Biomedical Research Cores that address crucial aspects of nutrition and obesity research, boost research efficiency, and encourage innovation: 1) Clinical and Translational Obesity Research Core; 2) Cellular and Molecular Metabolism Core; and 3) Neuroendocrine Core. These objectives will be pursued by a strong research base of highly collaborative H-NORC members (72 members with qualifying funding related to nutrition/obesity research with total Direct Costs of $31,329,400) operating within our three thematic areas: 1) Pediatric and Adult Obesity, Pathophysiology, and Therapy; 2) Nutrient Metabolism in Health and Disease; and 3) Brain Control of Feeding Behavior and Metabolism. The Administrative Core will provide oversight and guidance, monitor progress, and promote the growth of the Research Cores and H-NORC Programs. Additionally, two programs will enrich our research environment. The existing Pilot and Feasibility Program will continue to support new investigators beginning research careers in nutrition and obesity. The Enrichment Program will foster an educational and academic environment conducive to innovative research in nutrition and obesity. To further develop research capacity, we will involve investigators from both within and outside the fields of nutrition and obesity research in the H-NORC. Furthermore, to advance H-NORC's goals and mission, we will leverage academic and research partnerships within the greater Houston area, encompassing organizations both inside and outside the Texas Medical Center. H-NORC leaders comprise physicians, scientists, and administrators experienced in directing interactive, multidisciplinary programs and have a well- defined succession plan along with a comprehensive mentoring and development plan. We have obtained substantial organizational support and resources, will establish new cores, and leverage shared resources from existing NIH-funded centers, T32 programs, and other entities to create a robust, efficient, and integrated Nutrition and Obesity Research Center from Houston area organizations.
