Montana offers several key resources to other RAIN states through four programs: The Montana IDeA Community Engagement Core (CEC) fosters tribal and rural community-academic partnerships to address health disparities using community-based participatory research (CBPR) and provides training, partnership development, and Community Research Associates as liaisons. The Metabolomics Facility at Montana State University (MSU) provides advanced analytical tools like Mass Spectrometry and NMR, supporting RAIN projects with sample analysis, training, and pilot funds. MSU’s Social Data Collection and Analysis Services aids researchers in collecting and processing high-quality social and behavioral data through various methods, offering consultation and comprehensive data services. Lastly, the Genomics Core at the University of Montana (UMGC) supports genome science research with high-throughput sequencing technologies and offers consultation, grant support, library preparation, and bioinformatics analysis.

Community Engagement Core (CEC)

The Montana IDeA Community Engagement Core (CEC) facilitates tribal and rural community-academic partnerships to tackle health disparities, serving as a resource for MSU-based IDeA programs. Grounded in community-based participatory research (CBPR), the CEC prioritizes equitable collaboration, dialogue, and collective problem-solving to improve community health. Key components of the CEC include training in health communications tailored to cultural and literacy needs, developing respectful partnerships, navigating data ownership, sustaining relationships, and establishing Community Advisory Boards, while Community Research Associates (CRAs) serve as liaisons between communities and investigators, offering mentoring and training in CBPR practices for effective research partnerships.

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Mass Spectrometry integrated for metabolomics projects and NMR

MSU stands out for integrating both Mass Spectrometry for metabolomics projects and NMR, offering leading-edge analytical tools for investigating biological activity through metabolomics. The Metabolomics Facility supports RAIN projects by analyzing samples, providing training at all levels, and offering pilot funds to leverage the unique research capabilities of these facilities for RAIN researchers and students. Examples of RAIN projects include studying bacterial stress responses and predicting dual risks of stress and toxins in mammals using metabolomics.

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Social Data Collection and Analysis Services at MSU

Social Data Collection and Analysis Services at Montana State University (formerly known as the HELPS Lab) enables the collection and processing of high-quality data for researchers using a variety of social, behavioral, and statistical tools and methods. Social Data specializes in data collection involving human subjects and offers free initial consultation and estimates of costs for proposed work. The Social Data facility has successfully served clients in a range of fields of bench and laboratory science. The facility employs a complete set of cutting-edge research tools to improve clients’ understanding of best practices in data collection and can meet the needs of new and experienced researchers. Social Data assists with research design and facilitates the collection of high-quality data via web, mail, and phone surveys. Social Data also provides services in the areas of customizing data collection instruments; sampling and targeting of desired audiences; transcription; coding and entry of data; processing and cleaning of data; providing visual summaries and documentation of data; and descriptive and inferential statistical analysis of data.

 

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UM Genomics Core

The Genomics Core at the University of Montana assists researchers with the development and implementation of projects across a broad range of applications in genome sciences. The UMGC is fully equipped to support applications using both short (Illumina MiSeq Sequencing) and ultra-long read (Oxford Nanopore Sequencing) high-throughput sequencing. We also support single-cell (10X Chromium) and spatial (10X Visium CytAssist) transcriptomics. UMGC is staffed with expertise for consultation, support for grant applications, standard and customized sequencing library preparation, bioinformatics analysis support, and collaboration for research projects in genomics and transcriptomics. Core consultation services can help researchers develop timelines, research approaches, equipment strategies, data collection objectives, and dissemination plans.

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FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Montana INBRE / RAIN Technology Access Grants 2025-2026

In addition to its regular faculty research RFP, Montana INBRE is now also accepting proposals for 2025-26 Technology Access Grants. Tech Access grants provide funding for Montana-based investigators to utilize Montana-INBRE-affiliated core facilities as well as core facilities located in participating RAIN states (Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming).  

We also invite non-Montana investigators located in RAIN states to propose use of Montana-based core facilities through this funding opportunity. Faculty-level investigators as well as graduate students and post docs are welcome to apply for Tech Access grants.

Priority review deadline is December 1, 2025, then rolling deadline through January 23, 2026 (or until available funds are exhausted)

Contact: Dr. Brian Bothner, Montana INBRE Principal Investigator, bbothner@montana.edu

Explore Montana’s website for complete details on this technology access funding opportunity.

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