This core is responsible for the oversight and direction of the entire CNRU. The overall objective of the Administrative Core is to promote scientific synergies by fostering communication, interaction and the pursuit of novel research strategies. This is accomplished through the following duties. The Administrative Core will:

• Publicize and promote the use of the CNRU. This will focus within the Pennington Center in the first phase of the CNRU’s development; as the CNRU becomes established, an outreach effort will be employed, reaching out to investigators at other campuses within the LSU system. Later, CNRU membership will be extended to other researchers in the region, such at those at Tulane. 
   
• Organize the administrative process to announce, collect, review and award the Pilot and Feasibility grants
  
• Publicize, promote and manage the pilot and feasibility grants, which is intended to encourage the pursuit of novel research ideas, to engage new investigators in research focusing on the CNRU’s scientific objectives and to generate pilot data for future grant submissions.
   
• Manage the enrichment program, which serves as a stimulus for new ideas, aids in communication for the CNRU investigative team and aids in translation of research from the laboratory to the clinic.
   
• Set criteria for use of core facilities.
   
• Provide for the services of the CNRU statistician and maintain access to the data management services.
   
• Direct the fiscal management of the grant.
   
• Compile reports for NIDDK, as required.