Core C: Data Management and Statistical Core

The primary mission of the Data Management and Statistics Core (DMSC) is to provide leadership and expertise in all phases of data collection, management, and analysis, from development of new research projects to publication of results. Our overall aims are to maximize the impact of the Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (BU ADRC) resources by ensuring sound experimental and analytical design, to harmonize, integrate, and share research data generated by the BU ADRC, and provide the analytical tools and expertise investigators need to advance the field of AD and ADRD research. The main objectives of the DMSC are to 1) maintain an integrated, user-friendly data management system that provides the highest quality data, security, and integrity; 2) to provide active and integral collaboration in methodological design and statistical analysis to all ADRC Cores and investigators; and 3) to provide systems and support for user-driven analysis and resource sharing, including uniform data for the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC), as well as managing systems for provision of data, tissue, and participant information for ADRC and other collaborators. The DMSC has considerable experience in systems and procedures, including: (i) centralization and integration of all ADRC data systems, and system enhancements to ensure data confidentiality and security, (ii) integration of new data collection instruments and electronic data capture modules, (iii) integration of CTE projects and the RHI cohort in ADRC data base infrastructure, (iv) development of new statistical methodologies. The DMSC will expand and enhance ADRC systems including state-of-the-art hardware, software and expertise, to effectively manage and analyze research data generated by the ADRC. Careful coordination and cooperation with all data-generating cores is a critical component of our plan to integrate and maximize the effectiveness of our diverse daa. We will leverage BU resources, including expertise in cutting-edge statistics, bioinformatics, and machine learning to implement best-practice management and analysis of data resulting from the ADRC. 1. To provide and maintain centralized data management, harmonization, and integration of the rich and diverse data sources generated by all other ADRC cores. 2. To maintain, enhance, and extend software tools and infrastructure that enables qualified investigators to access and interact with all managed data. 3. To provide advice, expertise, and training in the design and conduct of data analysis projects using DMSC managed data. 4. To develop novel analytical methods in support of ADRC research aims.