Minnesota Population Center Science and Technical Core

SCIENTIFIC/TECHNICAL CORE: SUMMARY The goal of the Scientific/Technical Core is to maximize the efficiency of funding for population dynamics research and to increase the scientific impact and productivity of that research at MPC. The Core provides expertise to investigators designing new research projects, coordinates technical support of ongoing projects, and helps investigators master advanced methods and technologies. Its service areas include: (1) Computing and Software Development. The Core provides support for MPC’s high-performance computing environment; software services; and tools to support data dissemination. (2) Spatial Analysis. The Core provides spatial analysis services; acquires and processes data from various spatial data sources; and supports spatial data visualization. (3) Data Science. Core services include assessing the feasibility of proposed new data infrastructure projects; developing record linkage and machine learning tools; and innovating in data capture techniques. (4) Data Access and Preservation. Core services include locating and acquiring data; providing secure facilities for access to restricted data; and developing data archive plans to facilitate replication and preservation. The Scientific/Technical Core provides members with shared resources that could not be efficiently supported by any single project. This model of centralized technical services increases the impact and pace of population dynamics research conducted at MPC in three ways: (1) It maximizes the fit between technical expertise and project needs; (2) It maintains a pool of talented software developers, GIS experts, data scientists, and others with technical expertise and experience working with population science data; and (3) It minimizes startup time and costs for new and developmental projects. For all Core services, MPC prioritizes the needs of new and early stage investigators. In the next period of P2C support, the Scientific/Technical Core will also work to enhance access to its services and resources by members of the population dynamics research community who work in institutions without P2C support.