August 2023 Updates

We are currently in the planning stage of Phase 2. To complete the planning stage, the Joint Executive Council (JEC) needs to approve the BIRCH operational model and financial model, as well as the joint research strategic plan (JRSP). Through this planning, we will best position ourselves for further developing distinctive collaborations and programs, arm staff with the best tools and processes to do their work, and ensure we understand the financial impact of aligning. Across our three organizations, we continue to work with one another daily; BIRCH envisions an environment in which we’ve harmonized our policies where possible, and provided the infrastructure to enable staff and investigators to focus on the work.

Operational Model

Numerous groups with staff and faculty representation from SPH, BioMed, CNE, and Lifespan have started to meet in the last month. These collaborative conversations will advance the work behind the operational model of BIRCH. 

The roadmap for aligning our human research protection programs was presented to the Joint Executive Council (JEC) in late July. Unifying these programs will have many benefits for investigators and staff. For example, this effort would eliminate instances of conflicting requirements from multiple human research protection programs on the consent language and risks to research participants enrolled in the same study across our three institutions. The JEC provided critical feedback, and leaders across our organizations are working to address the input.

Three of the internal advisory committees established by the ARC Agreement will play substantial roles in developing the work plans for the Offices of BIRCH:

• Research Operations and Policy Committee
  • Charge: Design the Center for Research Excellence, now known as BIRCH, and monitor its ongoing performance
  • Members: Francie Emlen (BIRCH), Bharat Ramratnam (BIRCH), Stephanie Endy (Brown), Nicole Picard (Brown), Stephanie Altomari (Brown), Tiffany Amaral (SPH), Dan Bryant (LS), Susan Elmore (CNE), Megan Buie (CNE), Jennie Henriques (CNE), Mindy Marshall (LS), Theresa Shireman (SPH), Joan Silva (LS), Lisa Uebelacker (CNE)
• Clinical Trials Committee
  • Charge: Develop recommendations for coordinating and creating efficiencies to strengthen the clinical trial portfolio and operations; recommend a process to ensure the clinical trial portfolio aligns with BIRCH's strategic goals and the needs of the population
  • Members: Wael Asaad (LS), Francesca Beaudoin (SPH), Alison Chambers (LS), Paul DiSilvestro (CNE), Rani Elwy (BioMed), Carolina Haas-Koffler (SPH), Gina Johnson (LS), Jake Kurtis (BioMed), Jill Maron (CNE), Bill Menard (CNE), Karen Tashima (LS)
• Research Advisory Council
  • Charge: Formulate recommendations to the CSO for unifying and integrating Biomedical and Health Sciences research activities and develop the joint research strategic plan; recommend modifications to the JRSP, present performance reports to the JEC in coordination with other committees, and assess portfolio trends and developments that may impact recommendations for BIRCH leadership.
  • Members: J.J. Trey Crisco (LS), Jennifer Friedman (LS), Joseph Hogan (SPH), Michael Mello (LS), Bharat Ramratnam (BIRCH), Caroline Richardson (CNE), Thomas Roberts (BioMed), Jennifer Tidey (SPH), Anubhav Tripathi (BioEngineering), Method Tuuli (CNE), Audrey Tyrka (CNE)

Financial Model

We have engaged the Huron Consulting Group to help develop the BIRCH financial model. The work is underway and is being managed by a subcommittee of the Finance Committee. 

• Finance Committee 
  • Charge: Develop a common financial lexicon, budget process, and a financial look back for research at CNE, LS, and Brown; support the budget process for BIRCH and the CAO with planning, reviewing, and executing finance strategies.
  • Members: Todd Conklin (CNE), Francie Emlen (BIRCH), Kim Galligan (BioMed), Eva Greenwood (LS), Peter Markell (LS), Mary Marran (CNE), Bharat Ramratnam (BIRCH), Gail Robbins (CNE), Sara Walsh (SPH), Michael White (Brown)

An Economic Engine for the Region

Rhode Island’s healthcare sector is already the largest segment of the Rhode Island economy. Unlike other similarly situated regions with academic medical centers, Rhode Island already has an established culture of research that could take years to develop in other areas. Capitalizing on our complementary strengths will grow Rhode Island’s research enterprise while powering the state’s economy. By aligning research operations, we can increase our capacity to improve the quality of life in Rhode Island and beyond.