Core C: Statistics Core

Project Summary – Statistics Core – Core C Promoting scientific rigor and reproducibility has become an urgent priority in preclinical research in recent years. Important features of these concepts include sound study design, statistical analysis, and the validation and sharing of study data and statistical programming code to facilitate replication and reproduction, and to maximize impact by pooling data in repositories that aim to facilitate discovery. The Statistics Core’s primary objectives are to (i) provide targeted research support in study design and data analysis; (ii) establish data standards and procedures for data storage to promote adherence to FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, Reusability) Principles, facilitate efficient research collaboration, data sharing and reproducibility of research results; and (iii) advance the educational mission of the Center (in close partnership with the Research Education Core) by providing training to investigators, research staff and graduate students on study design and statistical methods tailored to CounterACT scientific objectives. Using a proven approach that has served us well for the previous UC Davis CounterACT Center, the Core will provide statistical research support in rigorous experimental design, sample size estimation, and effective data analysis methods to minimize bias and to ensure robust results. The Statistics Core consists of a trio of highly experienced CounterACT statisticians, including two full professors. All three have considerable (10+ years) experience in collaborative multidisciplinary research. To distribute efforts across Core C’s faculty statisticians and analytical staff, and to encourage collaboration across Projects and Cores, each experiment is assigned a primary faculty statistician and analyst to support the design, data collection, data analysis, and reporting of results. Brief weekly meetings of Core C personnel provide an efficient forum to discuss statistical and database management challenges and to share ideas and methods for addressing them. By providing targeted statistical expertise, analytical and data storage support, and training, the Statistics Core will promote the scientific rigor, reproducibility, and ultimate impact of research findings by the UC Davis CounterACT Center of Excellence.