Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) Research Program Core A: Administrative Core

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The overall goals of the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) U19 Research Program are to (1) expand ACT cohort enrollment with improved follow-up, phenotyping of life course risk factors, and new neuroimaging and neuropathology outcomes; (2) support Projects studying the spectrum of healthy functioning to Alzheimer’s and related dementias in older adults; and (3) expand and improve ACT’s dissemination of data and resources to the research community. To accomplish these goals, the ACT U19 Program includes three scientific research Projects, six resource Cores, an External Advisory Board, several committees, and many institutional partners. Core A: Administrative Core is a required component and will provide overall leadership and oversight to the entire ACT U19 Program. The Administrative Core will support all Projects and Cores in effective research organization and communication by providing team-based leadership, clear timelines, measurable milestones, and administrative policies. We will create private and public websites and plan interactive Program-wide activities to maintain open communication, collaboration, dissemination, and resource sharing. The Administrative Core will facilitate collaborations with new investigators and support mechanisms to meaningfully share ACT U19 Program data. These mechanisms include a state-of-the-art public website with downloadable datasets with clear documentation; a large, rigorous ACT repository maintained in collaboration with the Data and Analysis Core to support standardized data sharing; an online Data Query Tool to support preliminary aggregate data requests; and reliable administrative processes and procedures for new data requests. Importantly, we will work with the Data and Analysis Core to oversee the logistics, flow, and tracking of all participant data in the ACT Repository, between Projects and Cores, and with any ACT-related ancillary studies. The Administrative Core will provide centralized support of the ACT U19 Program’s logistic and financial requirements. This includes overseeing day-to-day activities; communicating with the National Institute on Aging, External Advisory Board, and supporting committees; and setting the Program’s policies, governance, communication methods, and administrative procedures. Finally, we will undertake a biannual evaluation to improve ACT U19 Program performance. The evaluation will focus on the extent of integration, quality of communication, and scientific productivity across the entire U19 Program to promote best practices in communication, administration, and implementation of research activities. The Administrative Core is the operational backbone of our ACT U19 Program and includes a strong senior leadership team with several small, nimble committees to effectively manage work across all Projects and Cores. We will modernize and improve many of our current administrative procedures and policies to ensure a smooth transition from the U01 to the larger U19 Program. Given our prior experience in leadership, collaboration, and research project coordination, we are confident that this Administrative Core can lead the ACT U19 Program to success.