The NIDDK provides a number of grant programs as part of its mission to support research and research training. Two types of university-based core centers, whose focus is obesity and nutrition research, operate through the support of these grant programs: the Clinical Nutrition Research Unit (CNRU) and the Obesity/Nutrition Research Center (ONRC). Dr. Hubbard gave an overview of these centers. First started in 1979, there are currently 10 CNRUs and 4 ONRCs. Each has an established research base (> 50% federal support) and Core Laboratories to allow for the conduct of pilot and feasibility studies, primarily by new investigators.

Future prospects for these centers described by Dr. Hubbard include 1) collaborative projects with GCRCS, 2) interactions with ongoing major clinical trials, 3) special short-term training opportunities and 4) potential expansion of the number of centers.