Clinical Research Core

The Clinical Research Core (RC1) is a key resource for the University of Florida (UF) Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC), providing the resources and expertise for conducting research across the spectrum of clinical investigation, including clinical trials, as well as observational studies of biological and behavioral factors related to promotion of mobility and independence. The Core’s primary goal is to encourage and facilitate clinical translational research focused on promotion of mobility and independence. The RC1 has three Specific Aims: 1. Aim 1: Provide the resources and intellectual environment to facilitate clinical research, team science, and education of OAIC REC Scholars related to promotion of mobility and independence. 2. Aim 2: Promote and facilitate translation of pre-clinical and pilot studies into clinical trials in older persons. 3. Aim 3: Improve our understanding of behavioral, biological, cognitive, and social/environmental factors that may affect responses to interventions, designed to promote mobility and independence in older adults. The RC1 provides resources and personnel (including U01 and R01 NIH funded investigators) to support the development and implementation of clinical trials, including pharmacologic, nutritional and behavioral interventions, and observational studies addressing factors contributing to mobility impairment in older adults and implications for functional decline and disability. Building on close collaborations with other OAIC cores, the RC1 will support pilot/exploratory projects, developmental projects, and external projects. The Core will also provide senior level Investigators with established track records as mentors for research education to lead each of these goals, providing expertise and promoting a rich environment for early-stage faculty research and senior faculty collaboration.