Accomplishments

The Pediatric Center of Excellence in Nephrology (PCEN) at UVA has been very productive. The PCEN has created and enhanced many educational activities within the Department of Pediatrics such as the Annual Pediatric Research Symposium, the Annual Trainee Competition, the Betsy and Stuart Houston Lecture, the Pediatric Research Seminar Series and Grant Review Sessions. Crucial findings have been made and novel methodologies have been established that were instrumental for the success of the program.

A website for the Center was developed and launched. This site includes an overview of the Center, summaries of the individual projects and short biographies of the main investigators. It also provides information about the enrichment programs for students and the public and a link to the NIDDK website. The Enrichment Program of the Center has been successful in attracting and supporting junior faculty through Pilot Projects, and retaining graduate students to research in Pediatric Nephrology. Most of the students that applied for rotations and our Summer Research Program learnt about us from the UVA PCEN website. A full progress report including publications can also be found at the Center website.