Administrative, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core A

Administrative, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core ABSTRACT The principal goal of the Administrative, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core (Core A) is to provide the essential operational plan and organizational structure to facilitate the short- and long-term success of this P01. This will be accomplished by coordinating both scientific and logistical issues for the individual Projects and the Transplant Pathology and Tissue Imaging Core (Core B) and the Nanotechnology Core (Core C), their interactions to enhance conceptual unity and Program synergy, and the P01 as a whole. The Core will coordinate communication and scientific meetings between the Program Director (PD), Project Leaders (PLs), Scientific Core Leaders and Co-investigators at the University of Pittsburgh and other institutions to facilitate scientific collaboration, project interaction, shared resource and scientific Core use prioritization, meeting of milestones, and data management and sharing,- each important goals of the P01. The Core will also co-ordinate data and statistical/bioinformatics input for each of the Projects through a faculty biostatistician and a faculty computational immunologist. It will provide logistical assistance for preparation of reports (including annual milestone reports), compliance and regulatory issues, grant renewal, and abstract and manuscript submissions. Also, by providing financial oversight, the Core will maximize the responsible and efficient use and allocation of funds, thus fulfilling obligations to the University of Pittsburgh and the NIAID. In executing these functions, the Core will also allow the PD, PLs, Scientific Core Leaders and Co-Investigators more time to address their research goals. An additional important function of the Core will be to co- ordinate communication with the NIAID Project Scientist. The goals of the Administrative and Biostatistics Core will be accomplished through the following Specific Aims: Aim 1: Facilitation of communication; Aim 2: Preparation of documents and reports; Aim 3: Financial administration; Aim 4: Shipping assistance; Aim 5: Travel assistance; Aim 6: Office and lab maintenance; Aim 7: Implementation of the data management and sharing plans; Aim 8: Coordination of biostatistical and bioinformatics support; Aim 9: Communication with DAIT and the NIAID Project Scientist; Aim 10: Resolution of disputes.