Administrative Core

ABSTRACT – Administrative Core The overall goal of the Duke Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) is to use a translational digital health and computational approach to address the critical need for more effective early autism screening tools, objective and sensitive outcome measures, and brain-based biomarkers that can be used in clinical trials with young autistic children. We will achieve our goals by harnessing shared technologies, computational methods, and clinical expertise across three Projects and with the support of three Cores: The Dissemination and Outreach Core, the Data Management and Analysis Core, and the Administrative Core. The Administrative Core will serve as the Center’s “hub”, coordinating and overseeing all Projects and Cores so they function effectively and efficiently as a whole in an integrated and synergistic fashion. The Administrative Core will promote an inclusive, equitable environment of communication and collaboration among investigators, reduce administrative burden on investigators, provide financial oversight, monitor regulatory compliance, and ensure scientific rigor and productivity. The Core will be directed by Center Director and Principal Investigator, Dr. Geraldine Dawson, who will work closely with expert administrative staff, an internal Executive Committee, a Community Engagement Advisory Board, and an External Advisory Committee. The Administrative Core has three specific aims. First, the Core will coordinate communication, data-sharing, and collaboration among Center investigators to enhance cross-Projects synergies, shared expertise and resources, and scientific progress through all phases of the research program. Second, the Core will provide overall management and oversight of the Center. The Core will oversee and support the Center’s scientific efforts by setting goals, defining deliverables, and monitoring progress, ensuring timely advancement toward milestones and deliverables. Third, the Core will provide timely financial accounting and ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal research and ethical guidelines, quality control, and cost-effectiveness. The Core will be responsible for providing expertise and infrastructure for strong financial management; ensuring compliance with university, state, NIH, and other federal research regulations; managing Institutional Review Board submissions and communication; developing and disseminating Standard Operating Procedures; implementing Good Clinical Practice; maintaining research fidelity; overseeing quality control; and ensuring timely submissions to the National Database for Autism Research.