The long-term goal of this Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) is to help grow the burgeoning biomedical research industry in Maine by positioning the University of Maine (UMaine) as a biomedical research and training hub that supports and recruits outstanding junior faculty while strengthening our unique statewide graduate program. This COBRE is focused on Regulation of Cellular Behavior in Response to Extracellular Cues.

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), part of the part of the National Institute of Health (NIH), supports state-of-the-art biomedical research centers at institutions in IDeA states (an NIH program that strengthens research capacity in states that historically have had lower levels of NIH funding) states via three award phases, each lasting five years.

COBRE Phase 1 awards build capacity in an area of biomedical research through the establishment of a center of excellence that helps develop a critical mass of investigators who are able to compete effectively for independent research funding and improve infrastructure in the center’s research area.

COBRE Phase 2 awards strengthen successful COBRE Phase 1 centers through continued development of investigators to compete effectively for independent research, pilot project funding, and further improvements to research infrastructure at the institution.

COBRE Phase 3 awards provide support for maintaining research cores developed during Phases 1 and 2 to sustain a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment with pilot project programs, mentoring, and training components.

The UMaine COBRE is starting Phase 1 in 2023.

Upcoming Events

Recent events

 Zebrafish researchers and zebrafish-curious researchers met for a day of talks and posters on Thursday, July 13 at UMaine. This meeting showcased collaboration on techniques and scientific problems by identifying overlapping interests and sharing methods for zebrafish research. The mini-symposium was sponsored by the University of Maine’s Institute of Medicine and the UMaine COBRE project grant.  

Read more and see the schedule.