Biostatistics and Data Science Core

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SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Boston OAIC programs require diverse expertise in experimental design, biostatistics, and data science to enable successful implementation of rigorous and reproducible research in diverse experimental settings and populations. To address these needs, we here propose the continuation and some expansion of the Boston OAIC’s productive and successful Biostatistical Design and Analysis Core. In keeping with the Core’s complementary foci in statistical methodology and in contemporary analytics, and research software development, this resource has been renamed the Biostatistics and Data Science Core (BDSC). The overall goals of the BDSC are to provide biostatistical and data management support to OAIC projects; collaborate with and provide consultation to OAIC investigators; to provide mentorship and training to Research Education Component (REC) and Pilot and Exploratory Science Core (PESC) awardees; and to conduct novel statistics and data science research. The BDSC’s Specific Aims are: Aim 1. To collaborate with OAIC investigators and trainees by providing biostatistical and data management support to OAIC projects Aim 2. To provide rigorous training in research design and data analysis for REC and PESC awardees, and Aim 3. To develop and disseminate novel quantitative methods and data science and bioinformatics tools aligned with the OAIC projects and priorities Aim 1 builds upon the highly successful collaborations between the BDSC's faculty and the OAIC investigators, reflected in more than 150 publications in the prior cycles. Aim 2 builds upon and extends our existing biostatistical and data science curriculum, developed during the current cycle which is undergoing continuous revision and improvement, and which is specifically tailored to provide quantitative science education both to quantitative scientists and to allied clinical researchers in aging. Aim 3 extends our current efforts both in the development of novel statistical methods in survival analysis, pragmatic clinical trials, longevity, and statistical genetics; and in the development of novel software, reproducibility, and informatics tools now in extensive use in the biomedical and Boston OAIC communities. Together these aims will enable the BDSC to cost-effectively support the OAIC's research and training initiatives. The productivity of prior cycles attests to the impact of the proposed Core on the OAIC's overall success and underscores the potential value of its continuation to the Boston OAIC's mission.