Pre-ARCs and the ARC Process

Pre-ARCs serve as intermediate phase of exploration of research themes before becoming a formal ARC. Ideas on Pre-ARC themes have been initiated by investigators as well as by the Evans Center Director. Once a pre-ARC group is assembled, the group is invited to post here a summary of missions  and plans for an ARC, including names and affiliations of PIs who are interested in joining. This 1-2 page outline will provide enough information for other colleagues to consider participation in the pre-ARC, and eventually ARC (following approval of a review panel). As is the case with the pre-ARCs and ARCs posted here, the Evans Center Director will discuss such research themes, and provide insight as needed. For additional information, please contact Dr. Katya Ravid.

Pre-ARCs

pre-ARC discussions are in progress toward formation of new ARCs that will focus on areas of Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Tuberculosis, Women’s Health, Health Disparities/Health Equity, Brain Tissue & Substance Use Disorders, and Parkinson’s Disease. Please visit the web page to learn how to Join an ARC and the associated incentives.

Current Pre-ARCs 

VITAL Pre-ARC: Drs. Charlene Ong, Noelle Saillant, Deepa Gopal and Iaonnis Paschalidis
(2025 to present)
Summary:
Vital Pre-ARC envisions becoming an ARC to serve as a hub for integrating sensors, data science, engineering, and clinical innovation, serving as the intersection of research across disciplines, particularly in critical care.

Food and Nutrition Pre-ARC: Olivia Thomas, Drs. Megan Sandel and Vipul Chitalia
(2024 to present)
Summary:
The mission and extended vision of this new Pre-ARC is to: catalyze research to promote equitable food access, systems, and policies in partnership with historically marginalized people and drive sustainable impact that safeguards local communities’ health, well-being, and prosperity. 

Pre-ARC under re-organization

Bridging Basic and Clinical Science to Reduce the Harms and Consequences of Persistent or Risky Substance Use; Drs. Venetia Zachariou and Alexander Walley; Preclinical consultant, Dr. Kathleen Kantak  (2022, 2024)
Summary update:
The Bridging Basic and Clinical Science to Reduce Consequences of Substance Use (Bridge-SU) pre-ARC was designed to address consequences of persistent and risky use of drugs and alcohol. Recruiting faculty experts in genetic, neurobiological and psycho-socio-environmental drivers of substance use who seek to discover new pathways for prevention, harm reduction, and treatment, the pre-ARC intends partnership with the BU CTSI to build community engagement capacity for substance use researchers.