September 9, 2020

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) has awarded $18.9 million for the renewal of the South Carolina IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (SC INBRE) to support biomedical research and infrastructure in South Carolina, and Columbia College is one of the recipients. The grant will fund the program for five years beginning September 1, 2020 and is the fourth consecutive renewal of SC INBRE.

SC INBRE is administered at The University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia (UofSC SOMC). Columbia College is new in the INBRE renewal, and joins 13 other institutions in the program, including Comprehensive Research Universities (CRUs): Clemson University and Medical University of South Carolina, as well as Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs): Benedict College (new in this INBRE renewal, HBCU), Coastal Carolina University, College of Charleston, Converse College, Francis Marion University, Furman University, Presbyterian College, University of South Carolina Aiken, University of South Carolina Upstate (new in this INBRE renewal), and Winthrop University. Graduating as members from SC INBRE, but remaining a part of the network in as alumni institutions, are Claflin University (HBCU) and South Carolina State University (HBCU). The two Outreach Institutions in the network are Anderson University and The Citadel (new to this INBRE renewal). 

With this renewal, SC INBRE will expand training capacity at five PUIs, including Columbia College, through the renovation of existing space/facilities. Career and professional development activities will be provided to SC INBRE faculty and students, as well as opportunities to network and develop collaborations with SC INBRE colleagues. 

Outreach programs developed at selected SC INBRE institutions will continue to engage high school teachers and students, strengthening the pipeline of future college students interested in biomedical research careers and actively encouraging participation by underrepresented minority students and those from underserved areas in South Carolina.

“Columbia College is excited for the opportunities SC INBRE IV will provide for our faculty, students and our community. This grant will establish the Columbia College Biomedical Research Program (CCBRP) which incorporates faculty from the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies, and creates a cross-disciplinary research community here at the College. This allows us to train students to participate in active biomedical research on campus, as well as provide support to bring in local high school students to participate in small research projects. We hope this project will help increase the diversity of the biomedical research community in South Carolina and we cannot wait to get started.” 

— Dr. Adrienne Oxley, Columbia College Associate Professor of Chemistry

For more information about Columbia College Health & Sciences programs visit: https://www.columbiasc.edu/health-sciences 

About SC INBRE

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) established the IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) to increase research capacity by programmatic expansion and networking of research activities of faculty and students at academic institutions throughout certain targeted states – with South Carolina being one of those states. 

SC INBRE is achieving that goal by supporting the career development of faculty and hands-on research training of students at the program’s network institutions through annual workshops for faculty and students focusing on career development, mentoring and other relevant topics, as well as funding opportunities available to any faculty or student at SC INBRE’s network institutions. 

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