Core B. Program Development (Pilot) Core

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT – Core B: Program Development (Pilot) Core Of critical importance to CEDA is the development of innovative research by affiliates with potentially high scientific payoff; to develop the research careers of early stage investigators; to assist and encourage researchers not currently engaged in research on aging to become engaged; and to encourage and facilitate the entry of new young researchers into the field. Meeting these goals contributes to an additional goal: to generate high-quality R-series and K-series grant applications to NIA and other federal agencies. Core B is the main instrument by which these goals are achieved, and it is therefore extremely important to the success of the Center. Core B funds pilot research projects via two complementary programs: an Emerging Scholars Pilot Program targeting early career researchers, and a smaller Innovation Pilot Program open to affiliates at any career stage. The two Emerging Scholar Pilots proposed in year 1 have the potential to be high-impact, generating key knowledge regarding critical demographic processes, and both are well-positioned to become competitive R01s for these early career investigators. One is to a demographer advancing CEDA’s signature theme of Mortality Measurement; the second is to a health economist working in CEDA’s signature theme of Policy and Behavioral Determinants of Adult Health. Both mentees will be supported by CEDA’s newly structured, multi-dimensional Emerging Scholar Mentorship Program; this program will also provide support for additional early career scholars beyond those awarded emerging scholar pilots. All pilot projects from Core B will have access to the administrative, programming and data resources of Core A.