FIU-Diversity Center for Genomic Research (FIU-DCGR)

FIU Diversity Center for Genomic Research (FIU-DCGR) Abstract Florida International University (FIU) is in Miami-Dade County, Florida, a county with a population of 2.7 million (2020) in which 69% are Hispanic Americans and 17% are African Americans. FIU is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI). FIU is the largest HSI in the

continental U.S. and one of the largest MSIs. As one of the top 10 largest universities, FIU has over 56,000 students (2020), with 79% underrepresented minorities (URMs) and more than 1,100 full-time instructional faculty. FIU plays an important role in supporting scientific research, particularly on diseases such as HIV and

mental illness that disproportionately impact racial/ethnic minorities that often experience health disparities. FIU has a mission to serve historical URMs in biomedical research. Researchers at FIU are uniquely positioned to bring novel perspectives and broaden the field of genomics, e.g., by engaging URMs in research

and helping to translate research advances into measurable and sustained improvements in health outcomes for underserved communities. However, research depth is restricted due to insufficient capacity to conduct and sustain cutting-edge health-related research, especially genomic research. To address health disparities,

increase representation in genomic research, provide culturally responsive care, foster community engagement and trust, promote workforce diversity, and improve access to genomic medicine for minority populations, we propose to build the FIU Diversity Center for Genomic Research (FIU-DCGR) at FIU. There

are two Phases in building the center: 1) During Phase I (UG3), we will develop plans and test the feasibility of achieving the primary goals to enhance diversity in genomic research by establishing FIU-DCGR to carry out innovative, state-of-the-art genomic research studies; foster genomic research career development and

enhancement for trainees and investigators at all career levels; enhance the genomic infrastructure, computational, analytical and ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genomic research capability; establish sustainable partnerships and disseminate resources and findings. 2) During Phase II (UH3), we will

build the genomic center, which is expected to support an Administrative Core, Workforce Development Core, Community Engagement Core, and three interrelated, innovative research projects. Outcomes from FIU-DCGR will be: 1) the genomic research capacity will be significantly increased at FIU, resulting in more genomic-

related research be performed; 2) the diversity and scale of the genomics research workforce at FIU will being carried out; 3) innovative ideas and creative thinking in genomic studies will be developed; and 4) the genomic research interests among URM students as well as the participation of URMs and underserved communities in

genomic studies will be enhanced reducing health disparities.