Administration and statistical/bioinformatics core

PROJECT SUMMARY This program project grant (PPG) proposes to explore important, fundamental aspects of aging that can result in the loss of brain function that occurs during aging. This loss of brain function, often termed Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD), imposes enormous emotional and financial burdens on citizens of the United States, and worldwide. Core A will organize and coordinate the entire PPG, and will be crucial for the success of its scientific goals. The Core will be led by the PPG Principal Investigators Judith Campisi and Lisa Ellerby. It will provide essential functions to the PPG, which will be implemented through seven interlinked specific aims. These aims include facilitating communication and collaboration among the Projects (Projects 1-3) and other Cores (Cores B-D), organizing regular meetings among the Project and Core personnel and members of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), which will provide critical assessments of the scientific and administrative progress of the PPG. Core A will also provide budgetary and administrative support and oversight, be responsible for communicating with the National Institute on Aging (NIA), including submission of progress reports and discussions of any new or altered scientific directions. In addition, Core A will facilitate and organize training and travel for SAB members and, importantly, for junior participants in the PPG (students, postdoctoral fellows, critical support personnel). Finally, Core A will provide unified high-level statistical and bioinformatic support to the entire PPG through dedicated hardware, software and personnel overseen by Buck faculty member David Furman. Through these aims and services, Core A will provide critical central administrative and scientific support to the PPG, which will optimize the success of its scientific aims.