Core A - Administrative and Research Support Core

ADMINISTRATIVE AND RESEARCH SUPPORT CORE: Revised Project Summary/Abstract The Life Course Center (LCC) Administrative and Research Support Core ensures progress towards LCC’s central goal, which is to provide an unparalleled environment for researchers to conduct impactful research on aging contexts, trends, dynamics, and disparities to improve the health and well-being of older adults. This is achieved by efficiently governing LCC and coordinating and managing activities across Cores and ensuring each Core is advancing LCC’s objectives. This Core has four aims. (1) Efficiently govern LCC and coordinate core resources: This Core will convene an Advisory Board; consult Research Theme Leads and Core Leads on Core activities and scientific direction; oversee, coordinate, and track the activities of each Core; coordinate initiatives with other NIA-funded Centers and Networks; and evaluate LCC’s services to ensure a stimulating, creative, and rigorous environment. (2) Enhance and expand LCC’s vibrant and productive intellectual environment: This Core will organize a vibrant Seminar Series, plan research mixers, support member-led initiatives, and host speed networking events; organize and manage a transparent and rigorous pilot grant review session; and take strides to break down institutional silos and accelerate efforts to improve public health and eliminate health disparities. (3) Coordinate, track, report, and evaluate LCC activities: This Core will set priorities, ensure alignment between Core-specific activities and Center priorities, and track and report The Center activities. (4) Allow LCC researchers to focus on research: This Core will maximize researchers’ efficiency and productivity by providing outstanding financial, human resource, compliance, and reporting support.