Research Design, Analysis, and Data Management Resource Core 2

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT (RDAD-RC2) The purpose of the Research Design, Analysis, and Data Management Resource Core (RDAD-RC2) is to provide methodological, statistical, and analytical support to investigators conducting aging research. The Core has become a critical component of the UTMB OAIC since its establishment in 2014. To date, the RDAD-RC2 has supported 12 REC Scholars, 30 pilot and developmental projects, and 12 externally funded projects, including three T32s, three F awards, and a Texas CPRIT Center grant. Since 2014, Core faculty and staff have also co-authored 120 publications. The RDAD-RC2 will continue to be highly responsive to the needs of UTMB investigators conducting aging research, reflected in the Core adding faculty with expertise in health disparities research and our two developmental projects that address critical research needs identified by UTMB OAIC investigators. The RDAD-RC2 will complete the following Specific Aims: (1) Collaborate as investigators on OAIC research, focusing on overcoming health disparities among older adults with chronic disabling conditions; (2) Train early-career investigators in study design, data management, and data analysis essential for aging research; and (3) Develop novel methods to advance research on health disparities in older adults. The RDAD-RC2 will continue to provide valuable support for UTMB OAIC cores in study design, data analysis, and data management, along with regulatory support for accessing, storing, and managing data. The Core will collaborate with other research units at UTMB to organize seminars and webinars on methodologies for aging and health disparities research. Additionally, the RDAD-RC2 will offer training for early-career investigators and assist in developing proposals for external funding. These contributions make the RDAD- RC2 vital to the OAIC's mission to improve physical function and independence in older adults and the UTMB OAIC’s theme to enhance functioning in older adults with chronic disabling conditions by reducing health disparities.