This center is focused on the application of emerging technologies, approaches, and resources to enable biomedical research pertaining to disease etiology and risk. Central to this mission is the development of translational science from engineering through clinical and public health applications and the advancement of integrated and team science approaches. CRIS activities include participation in the NIEHS DISCOVER program and aspects of NIH Roadmap, and management of the Superfund Basic Research Program, as well as encouraging applications of high data-content techniques to define the holistic response to exposure and innovative approaches to exposure and risk assessment.
The Center:
Plans, directs and administers a translational research program to include:
appropriate programs in bioengineering, integrated systems and computational methods to understand complex systems;
validation of emerging biomarkers of exposure, susceptibility and effect including development of sensor technologies and databases;
application of innovative "omics" research for reducing risk of exposure and disease.
Represents the NIEHS in trans-NIH, Interagency, and International programs in areas of advanced technologies, bioengineering, nanosciences and bioinformatics, and identifies opportunities for applying these tools to exposure assessment, disease etiology, and risk reduction. These activities include management of international programs on chemical safety and health and coordination of environmental health programs in developing countries.
Provides professional liaison for the scientific review of these activities
Assesses and evaluates progress and effectiveness of the Center's programs
CRIS also provides management of the Superfund Basic Research Program, administering research grants, interagency agreements, and contracts related to this program's research, outreach, technology transfer, and information dissemination in risk reduction decisions to improve public health. Additional responsibilities under this program include activities to:
Coordinate and provide materials for the Congressional Justification and the appropriation hearings for the Superfund Basic Research Program and Worker Training and Education Program, as well as other programs that come before the Interior and Environment Committee;
Coordinate external reporting requirements and formulate and track internal annual budget requirements;