Specific Aims
Specific Aim 1. Provide essential collaborative and consultative support on research design, data management, and biostatistical planning/implementation to ACTSI investigators. This encompasses a wide spectrum of statistical support, including:
1a. Biostatistical input for proposal development, study design, and data analysis, with emphasis on new investigators and trainees as they establish clinical and translational research programs
1b. Coordination with the ACTSI Biomedical Informatics Program (BIP) to advise ACTSI investigators regarding best practices in data management and ensure access to database services
1c. Ensure success of new “Studio” model for efficient delivery of support to ACTSI investigators in collaboration with the BIP and Clinical Interaction Network (CIN) programs
Specific Aim 2. Utilize expertise of BERD members to foster development of new statistical methodology to meet analytic challenges posed by the ACTSI research community
2a. Provide a web-accessible menu of the statistical research programs of BERD faculty for ACTSI investigators, emphasizing expertise of recently added BERD faculty
2b. Link BERD faculty to seasoned ACTSI investigators who face challenging biostatistical problems in their research to enhance synergy and encourage advances that would not be possible otherwise
Specific Aim 3. Enhance biostatistical education and training opportunities for ACTSI investigators
3a. Enhance course offerings and additional training opportunities for Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) students and biostatistics doctoral students
3b. Coordinate new short courses and training events in collaboration with the ACTSI Research Education, Training and Career Development (RETCD) Program, with emphasis on new and early ACTSI investigators and those transitioning to R-level grants
Specific Aim 4. Implement innovative strategies to further integrate BERD services across partner institutions (e.g., MSM, Georgia Tech, Children’s, and the Atlanta VAMC)
4a. Ensure that new training opportunities under Aim 3 are made available to investigators at Emory, MSM, and Georgia Tech, with rotation of site locations
4b. Leverage existing expertise and research support resources across institutions to improve the efficiency and breadth of biostatistical support made available to ACTSI investigators