The Biostatistical Design and Analysis Core (BDAC) was established in year 3 of the first funding cycle in response to user surveys which expressed a strong need for sound and efficient biostatistical expertise and resource support. The overall aims of BDAC are to provide data management and biostatistical resources and expertise to promote best statistical practices; and to facilitate the development of function-promoting therapies through research and the training of biomedical and data scientists committed to aging research. BDAC activities are directed toward the three mutually reinforcing Specific Aims: (1) To provide rigorous, secure and comprehensive biostatistical and data management support to OAIC projects. (2) To conduct novel applied and methodologic research aligned with the OAIC initiatives, with emphasis on conduct of intervention trials and translational research in FPTs. (3) To insure rigorous training in research design and data analysis of clinical and quantitative scientists, with emphasis on the epidemiology and treatment of loss of physical function in aging. The BDAC's outstanding leadership has substantial expertise in clinical trials, observational studies, experimental design, multivariate analysis, causal inference, statistical genetics, graphical data display, and missing data, and is seasoned in the leadership of data science teams. The Core is led by Thomas Travison, PhD (Core Leader), a biostatistician and translational researcher with 15 years' experience in the design and analysis of clinical studies in aging; and Ralph D'Agostino, PhD (Core Co-Leader), an internationally recognized leader in clinical trials design, observational studies, and comparative effectiveness research; and Paola Sebastiani, Ph.D., an internationally recognized statistical geneticist. Core personnel maintain active and highly productive collaborative relationships with OAIC biomedical investigators, as well as leadership in independent and collaborative research programs with allied scientists. In addition, the BDAC provides key venues for dynamic mentoring, collaboration and peer support for OAIC investigators and trainees through its interactive methods workshop and seminar series, consultative services, and the continual interaction between Core personnel and OAIC-affiliated scientists and physicians. The BDAC has embedded continuous innovation in its operations; examples of this innovation include the novel risk scoring algorithms developed by the BDAC biostatisticians for mobility disability and cardiometabolic illnesses in older populations; collaborative work with OAIC-affiliated biostatisticians at Yale and Wake Forest universities in designing novel randomization schemes for pragmatic cluster-randomized trials; and the development of novel and integrated web-enabled tools in the developmental project, which enhance the replicability and reproducibility of scientific findings. The BDAC is therefore a key contributor to the Boston OAIC's outstanding record of success.
To provide critical statistical, data management and informatics resources for the OAIC research and training activities, we propose the continuation of its Biostatistical Design and Analysis Core (BDAC). The BDAC will provide a centralized and unified statistical and data management support across the OAIC participating institutions; will provide a venue for the training of clinical and quantitative professionals in statistical and data sciences; and will develop novel methodological and information management solutions tailored to the OAIC mission of development of function-promoting therapies. Core faculty and staff affiliated with Harvard Medical School and the Boston University School of Public Health contribute the diverse expertise, experience and capabilities necessary for the successful completion of the BDAC aims.
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