VERITY: Value and Evidence in Rheumatology using bioInformaTics, and advanced analYtics

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PROJECT SUMMARY The overarching long-term aims of VERITY are: 1) to develop state-of-the-art methods for clinical research in rheumatology and musculoskeletal diseases that are relevant for the Research Community, 2) to deliver methodologic and bioinformatic assistance to the Research Community, and 3) to train the Research Community in state-of-the-art methods through courses, seminars, and mentoring. During the last cycle, VERITY recruited a large and growing Research Community of rheumatic and MSK disease investigators who participate in courses, mentoring, and utilize the services of the three VERITY Cores. The Overall Section of the application describes: the progress and future directions for VERITY’s burgeoning Research Community; how VERITY has developed and delivered courses to respond to the Research Community’s needs, especially during the COVID pandemic; plans for future courses and mentoring of trainees and junior faculty; and the services offered and organization of the Methodology Core and the Bioinformatics Core. During the previous cycle, VERITY developed a diverse Research Community that has included many junior faculty and trainees, a good number of pediatric rheumatologists, and an increasing group of MSK investigators. These researchers represent the tremendous diversity of clinical investigators engaged with NIAMS-focused topics. In addition, the large group of investigators helps provide the Cores with a steady stream of activity and resources. During the prior cycle of the BWH CCCR, VERITY helped produce 160 original articles already cited 1,287 times. These original articles appeared in high impact journals. The VERITY Research Community has been successful with 109 grant submissions during the last 4+ years, tabulating a total of $40,073,225 in annual direct research revenues. The three Cores have been extremely productive and learned much about working effectively with the Research Community. The proposed aims build on the prior successes with: an enhanced Enrichment Program increasing the focus on URiM researchers in rheumatology; a Methodology Core that ensures methodologic rigor while incorporating behavioral theory and economics into studies focused on racial and ethnic minorities; and a Bioinformatics Core that provides bioinformatic support to better phenotype patient cohorts, allowing for studies of social determinants of health.