Core N: BAM

Core N: Biostatistics and Modeling (BAM) Project Summary/Abstract The mission of the SD CFAR Biostatistics and Modeling (BAM) Core is to provide quantitative expertise, collaboration, and training in the areas of biostatistics and infectious disease modeling related to HIV research. The Core’s overall objective is to enhance the scientific rigor and impact of our member’s research by providing biostatistics and modeling support. In accordance with our CFAR’s focus, we prioritize research in preventing new infections, optimizing HIV care, and developing a cure, while promoting health equity for people with and at risk for HIV. The BAM Core’s services are critical to our CFAR, as other quantitative shared resources across our institutions are generally not tailored to HIV research or focused on supporting emerging HIV investigators. The specific aims of the BAM Core aims are: 1. Biostatistics Unit: To support clinical investigation and translational HIV research by providing rigorous quantitative biostatistics expertise and collaboration. 2. Modeling Unit: To enhance the impact of SD CFAR research by providing guidance and high-level expertise in modeling of HIV transmission, pathogenesis, and intervention cost-effectiveness. 3. Innovations Unit: To facilitate and develop innovative quantitative methods and novel study design approaches related to biostatistics and modeling important to HIV research. 4. Mentoring Unit: To support emerging HIV investigators, develop rigorous, reproducible, and impactful studies incorporating biostatistics and modeling. Progress: Since our renewal in 2017, the BAM Core has provided support to 92 users (72% emerging, defined by CFAR as NIH early stage investigator or new to HIV research), and 101 NIH-supported grants and supplements from 6 NIH institutes. The BAM Core has been cited by 118 publications.