Core 2: Biostatistics and BioInformatics Core

PROJECT SUMMARY The objective of the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core (Biostats Core) of the Wisconsin Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) SPORE is to promote excellence in HNC translational research by providing dedicated and outstanding biostatistical and bioinformatic consultation and collaborative support to the HN SPORE projects, Pathology Core, Administrative Core, and other investigators whose projects are supported under the Developmental Research and Career Enhancement Programs. This support and collaboration will include laboratory, translational, and clinical-based research, focusing on translation from laboratory studies to clinical studies. The Biostats Core will achieve its objective by supporting investigators and providing statistical, informatic, and data management expertise, thus enhancing the quality and ensuring the validity of the research undertaken in the HN SPORE. The Biostats Core will provide expertise in all stages of the research: from formulation of research questions through study experimental design, data collection and management, to data analysis, interpretation and dissemination of results through publications. The Specific Aims of the Core are: Aim 1. To maintain devoted collaboration with the HN SPORE investigators in the design of research studies, in analysis and interpretation of data, and in writing of scientific manuscripts disseminating the HN SPORE results to the scientific community. Aim 2. To upgrade the current HN SPORE data architecture to a single and unified environment that enhances the current database management activities to ensure the transparency and validity of statistical and bioinformatic analysis via centralized data management and standardization, confidential and secure data archiving and sharing, and data validation and consistency check. Aim 3. To conduct, when necessary, methodology research to develop new statistical and bioinformatic methods and software relevant to the HN SPORE projects.