C: Data Sciences and Methods

Project Summary/Abstract The Data Science and Methods Core provides the infrastructure that facilitates an organized, synergistic, and centralized approach to statistics and qualitative methods in HIV research for the UW/FH CFAR members, with an emphasis on providing support and training to junior investigators. The services provided by the core help ensure rigor and reproducibility in HIV research conducted by CFAR investigators. In addition to standard statistical support, the Core provides advanced statistical methods and expertise in the design, conduct a nd analysis of clinical research and laboratory studies to CFAR investigators. This includes the development of novel methods when standard approaches are not adequate or optimal by providing a crucial link between CFAR biomedical researchers and the large number of biostatistics and other quantitative sciences faculty at the University of Washington and the Fred Hutch who are developing novel statistical methods. New in this application is the additional expertise in qualitative methods, bringing both qualitative and quantitative expertise together in one cohesive group. Finally, the core provides training in both standard statistical methods as well as more advanced topics involving specialized method for complex new data types and provides an opportunity for the next generation of quantitative researchers and leaders. Finally, the support we provide contributes to the innovative, impactful, multidisciplinary and global research of all members who collaborate with our core. We propose three specific aims to achieve these goals stated above: 1. Provide statistical leadership and support, including study design, database development, analysis and reporting to CFAR researchers; 2. Provide leadership, mentorship and assistance in the use of qualitative methods, especially within the fields of behavioral and implementation science, to build CFAR capacity to evaluate context and incorporate personal experiences within their research studies; and 3. Provide training and exposure to rigorous qualitative and quantitative methods for all CFAR researchers.