The Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design (BERD) Core of the Hispanic Alliance for Translational and Clinical Research (Alliance) aims to provide expertise and support in the design, implementation, and statistical analysis of research projects, as well as research methods training opportunities to Alliance investigators, BERD staff, and the community, which will ultimately improve the health of Hispanic communities in Puerto Rico (PR) and the United States. Our long-term goal is to improve the overall quality of clinical and translational research studies conducted by Alliance investigators. Appropriate methods and analysis will promote the advancement of research through further funding, and underpin the development of strategies to prevent and treat diseases and conditions prevalent in Hispanic populations. Properly designed and conducted (i.e., epidemiologically and statistically sound) studies will help ensure dissemination of results in high -impact journals. Through a centralized unit with available expertise, we will address the increasing demand for epidemiology and biostatistics services and contribute to the professional development of statisticians working in Alliance institutions, especially in new and advanced methods. BERD Core has recruited and established collaborations with experts with specialized knowledge from Alliance and other institutions, who would otherwise not be available for Alliance investigators. Development and expansion of alternative funding mechanisms will ensure long-term feasibility of these services. BERD will address the long-term goal with a combination of proven and new mechanisms in the following aims:
Specific Aim 1. Provide epidemiological and biostatistical expertise and support for design, implementation, and analysis of clinical and translational research projects focused on health conditions prevalent in Hispanic communities in Puerto Rico and across the United States.
Specific Aim 2. Develop and implement training programs to increase knowledge and skills in research design, data management, and statistical methods, for Alliance investigators, BERD staff, and community leaders and members.
Specific Aim 3. Establish and strengthen working relationships of BERD with other IDeA institutions and Clinical and Translational Research Centers (CTRCs), and other external consultants. BERD expects that increased knowledge and improved support for researchers in biostatistics and epidemiology will lead to improved quality of research and therefore more grants awarded and papers in high-impact journals. Established, as well as innovative tools and methods, such as advanced user forums and new statistical tools and macros, will strengthen BERD as a hub for epidemiology and biostatistics expertise.
