The Research Capacity Core of SDSU HealthLINK Center for Transdisciplinary Health Disparities Research

RESEARCH CAPACITY CORE – Project Summary The SDSU HealthLINK Center for Transdisciplinary Health Disparities Research (Center) was established in 2018 to augment individual investigator and partner capacity, as well as institutional capacity, for minority health and health disparities (MHHD) research. Despite many improvements over the first 5 years of the SDSU HealthLINK Center, SDSU, SDSU Imperial Valley (SDSUIV), and community partners continue to have significant gaps in core research infrastructure critical for fostering innovative transdisciplinary MHHD research. The objective of the Research Capacity Core (RCC) is to continue to maximize the quality and productivity of MHHD research conducted at SDSU, SDSUIV, and community partners. We propose the following two specific aims that align with the goals of the RCMI specialized centers: 1) expand and sustain needed infrastructure and institutional capacity to support innovative transdisciplinary research at SDSU and SDSUIV using the latest technologies and theories in MHHD research; and 2) collaborate with the Center’s other Cores and Projects to maximize quality and productivity of MHHD research at SDSU and SDSUIV. To accomplish Aim 1, RCC will develop a Sensor Demonstration Lab; develop training and consultation in data science; develop protocols and training programs to facilitate and support research in implementation science; develop and implement a research ethics training program; and expand the range of common data elements to include demographic and health measures specifically tailored towards youth. To accomplish Aim 2, RCC will collaborate with the Administrative Core (AC) to provide career enhancement seminars, support Center evaluation data collection, and share resources through the Health Science Research Portal. RCC will work with IDC to increase research skills of PP leaders through collaboration on IDC’s Information Sessions, Grant Writing Workshops, and Research Management Training Program. Through collaboration with the Community Engagement Core (CEC), the RCC will provide guidance on research ethics, best practices for communicating with research participants, and community-engaged data/resource sharing. Through the provision of research resources and services, the RCC will also assist the new Recruitment Core (RC) faculty member and enhance the quality, productivity, and completion of RPs and PPs. Finally, the RCC will continue to expand its cost recovery service offerings. The Center RCC will continue to develop innovative and rigorous research services and resources of great need for SDSU, SDSUIV, and community partners. These resources and services, plus the support provided to RP, PP, the hired RC faculty member, and cost recovery service investigators will make a significant impact in improving minority health and reducing health disparities.