Building Research Capacity in Vascular Biology in Rhode Island.

The CardioPulmonary Vascular Biology Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (CPVB COBRE) was funded in 2013 by the National Institute for General Medical Sciences to establish a collaborative center for research excellence in vascular biology in Rhode Island. The CPVB COBRE has funded successful junior faculty investigators and pilot projects spanning the research spectrum from basic vascular development mechanisms using zebrafish to clinical research on pulmonary hypertension to the effects of mindfulness on hypertension in pregnancy. The Administrative Core has united the group with an active seminar program with visiting experts, a focus on career development, and the use of evaluation to support continuous improvement. The Cell Isolation and Organ Function Core has provided high-quality research services and expertise. Most importantly, hard-working and creative physicians and basic scientist investigators and mentors have worked together to expand the spectrum of vascular biology research in Rhode Island.