Organization and Structure

To accomplish the specific mission and goals of the Center, UNC IPRC is organized with a relatively small set of core personnel whose function is to assist faculty and students in the development and execution of injury research (see IPRC Organizational Diagram). This organization is based on the "center-without-walls" concept to enhance interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration and to integrate injury control activities into existing programs and activities. The Center envisions playing a long term leadership role in catalyzing activities among multiple units both inside and outside the University to promote the field of injury control through collaborative research, teaching, intervention, planning and evaluation, and service to professional, governmental, and public groups.

Administratively, IPRC Director, Dr. Carol W. Runyan, reports to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development, Dr. Tony Waldrop. A Senior Advisory Committee comprised of eleven senior University faculty and administrators with interests in injury control, provides guidance to the Center on policy matters, strategic issues and organizational development. In addition, an External Advisory Committee, comprised of a group of seven members, advises the Center on strategic issues affecting the field such as scientific directions, resource development, and national and international trends and opportunities.

While the Advisory Committees provide broad strategic and policy guidance, IPRC's Core Faculty members provide guidance on the Center's research agenda. Consistent with the "center-without-walls" concept, these 14 faculty members represent multiple departments and disciplines within the University system.

The day-to-day Center operations are overseen by the Center management team which consists of the Director; the Deputy Director (currently vacant); the Assistant Director for Administration, Kelly Smith; the Assistant Director for Planning and Communications, J'Ingrid Mathis, MS; the Assistant Director for Education and Outreach, Karen Moore, MPH; and the Manager of the Biostatistical Core Unit, Wendy Rosenstock, MSPH (currently interim manager).

Ms. Smith provides oversight of the Administrative and Grants Management Unit that is responsible for identifying grant opportunities, assisting faculty in preparing funding proposals, processing funding applications, and managing both the personnel and fiscal aspects of these projects.

Ms. Mathis manages the Center's strategic planning activities, directs development and sustainability efforts, and oversees development of communications and promotional materials.

Ms. Moore oversees a team of professional staff and students responsible for on- and off-campus capacity building, external liaisons, continuing education, program development, and visibility of the Center to the public and to the injury and violence prevention communities.

Ms. Rosenstock manages the Biostatistical Core Unit, which provides support to faculty and students in developing research, conducting analyses, identifying and using available databases, and preparing reports. Dr. Shrikant Bangdiwala is Chief, and Dr. Stephen Marshall Co-Chief, of the Unit.