STAR Collaborative Group (RPA Pilot / Seed Project)

We propose to start a Sleep, Timing, and Rhythms Collaborative Group (“STAR”) to build on our core of dedicated researchers to establish sleep and rhythms as an area of neuroscience strength at UK. By encouraging communication and exchange of ideas, the group will overcome the knowledge and information barrier that may hinder new investigators and researchers in other fields from moving forward with creative new ideas. There is increasing interest and funding availability for programs relating to sleep and circadian rhythms, but some of the concepts, terminology, and technology in these areas are not readily accessible to those outside the field. The established sleep and circadian investigators at UK can provide valuable assistance to newcomers that will make their proposals more competitive. The broad goals of the group are to increase the number and strength of collaborative interactions in sleep and rhythms research by providing an appropriate forum for interaction and access to resources, especially for junior faculty. Increasing communication among clinical and basic scientists, who may have only limited opportunities for interaction, is also a goal. STAR will support collaborative research in several ways, such as providing regular journal club meetings, works-in-progress sessions in which new projects and grants in preparation are discussed, mentoring for junior faculty, consultation for “newcomers” to the sleep and rhythms field, and funds for pilot projects.