DERC FAQs

Can I use DERC cores if I am not an affiliate?

The Biomedical Research cores are funded by NIH primarily to support diabetes related research for investigators that have DERC Affiliate status. Core directors may occasionally provide core assistance to non-affiliates on a limited basis, but it is expected that regular users will become DERC Affiliates.

Can I use DERC Cores if I am not at the University of Washington?

Yes, the DERC Biomedical Cores are available to qualified researchers throughout the US. The DERC has Affiliate investigators from institutions other than the University of Washington.

How do I use a DERC core?

Researchers interested in using the services of a DERC Biomedical Core should contact the Core director to discuss their needs and the prospective costs of core services for their project. The director may request that you apply to become an Affiliate Investigator. You will need to provide an account for invoicing of chargeback fees.

Can I use DERC Cores if my research is not directly related to diabetes?

The Biomedical Research cores are funded by NIH primarily to support research in the area of diabetes and endocrinology, although the emphasis is on diabetes research. However, diabetes research is broadly defined and potentially includes many areas of basic research in fields such as biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, physiology, genetics, behavioral sciences, and epidemiology, as well as related clinical research disciplines. Contact the Core Director to discuss the relationship of your research to diabetes if you have questions about your eligibility to use the Core.

Who can use the DERC Biomedical Research Cores?

Any faculty investigator at the University of Washington or other institution may be eligible to become an Affiliate Investigator of the DERC and use the DERC Biomedical Cores.

How can I become a DERC Affiliate Investigator?

For information about becoming an Affiliate and using the DERC Cores, download the following file:

DERC Application.

Who is eligible to receive a pilot and feasibility research grant from the DERC?

NIH requires that recipients of DERC P&F Research awards have a faculty appointment at the University of Washington. Research Scientists, residents, fellows, and students are not eligible. The defining criteria is that applicant must be eligible to be the Principal Investigator on an NIH grant. Normally this means at least an Acting Instructor appointment in most departments. Check with your department head and with the DERC Administrative Core office if you are uncertain about your eligibility status. For more information, see the P&F Studies Program.

What is the New Investigator Award?

The Diabetes Research and Treatment Program (DRTP) at the University of Washington sponsors the New Investigator Research Award. The eligibility criteria, application process, and scientific review of NIA applications are identical to those of the DERC P&F Research Awards. For more information, see the P&F Studies Program.

What is the McAbee Fellowship?

The Diabetes Research and Treatment Program (DRTP) at the University of Washington sponsors the McAbee Fellowship to support research training in the area of diabetes for both M.D. and Ph.D. postdoctoral fellows. For more information, see the P&F Studies Program.

How do I apply for a DERC P&F Research grant?

The DERC announces an RFA in the winter of each year for P&F Research Awards. An RFA for the New Investigator Award and McAbee Fellowship may also be announced, depending on the availability of funds. Normally the applications are due in early February with awards announced in May. Funding normally begins in July. For more information, see the P&F Studies Program.

How can I find out more about diabetes?

This DERC website designed primarily for researchers but all visitors are welcome to peruse it to learn about diabetes research at the University of Washington and affiliated institutions in the Seattle area. If you wish to learn more about diabetes, its treatment and complications, you will find many links to websites with information for the general public. See the Links menu.

How are the speakers and topics for the Seminar Series and Symposia chosen? May I suggest speakers or topics for the DERC Enrichment Program

Each year a message is sent to all DERC Affiliate Investigators asking them if they would like to recommend speakers for the monthly Seminar Series. The recommendations that we receive are discussed by the DERC Steering Committee, and based on this input, a program is chosen that is designed to represent research material from each of the DERC Research Bases in an equitable manner. The annual day-long DERC Symposia are sponsored on a rotating basis by each of the Research Bases. DERC leaders from these Bases seek input from constituents within that area of research and then compile symposia that explore topical research themes in depth.

How do I cite the support of DERC cores in my publications?

If you have utilized any of the DERC cores in the research, please cite this support as follows:
"This work was supported in part by NIH NIDDK grant P30 DK-17047 to the University of Washington Diabetes Endocrinology Research Center, and used the DERC [insert names of biomedical research core(s) that were used]."