Core G: University of Kentucky Alzheimer's Disease Core Center

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Project Summary/Abstract: Research Education Component The Research Education Component (REC) of the UK-ADRC offers a variety of research educational activities and comprehensive, mentored research skills development programs that will enhance the development of the future workforce to meet the nation’s biomedical, behavioral, and clinical needs in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) research. The REC will leverage resources within and outside the UK-ADRC to create an outstanding, multidisciplinary, and collaborative environment for training the next generation of researchers in scientific areas that parallel the theme of our ADRC (Transitions from Normal to Late-Life, Multi- Etiology Dementias), and with an emphasis on increasing representation of researchers from diverse backgrounds. We will continue to build on a long history of collaborative and dedicated faculty, a strong foundation in multidisciplinary team science, and an outstanding track record of success in mentoring and education of researchers across the training spectrum. We will also establish a new REC Scholar program aimed at junior investigators (Assistant Professors, senior research associates, or clinical fellows). This program will support junior investigators from diverse, multidisciplinary fields to pursue mentored basic, translational, or clinical research in ADRD, and follow a customized training plan to help the scholars move toward their career development goals. This training will be done in a supportive and collaborative academic environment with substantial training resources and an experienced and dedicated training faculty. Scholars will have the opportunity to learn state-of-the-art research skills in disciplines that have been identified as critically needed areas for the ADRC workforce of the future. Examples of training areas where the UK-ADRC has strong expertise include analysis of longitudinal clinical outcomes, clinical trial design, MRI imaging and novel fluid biomarkers, quantitative neuropathology and AD mimics, data analysis/ study design in mixed dementias, and health literacy and inequities. REC goals will involve interactions with all the UK-ADRC Cores and will be achieved through the following specific aims. Aim 1. Provide education programs and research skills development opportunities for investigators at UK. Aim 2. Identify, select, support, and retain REC scholars from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to engage in ADRD research. Aim 3. Develop an individualized mentoring plan and educational program for each REC scholar to enable advancement to independent research and funding in ADRD research. Aim 4. Evaluate progress of the REC scholars, address barriers towards the goal of independence in ADRD research and refine delivery of the program’s educational structure and processes. Following completion of the Program, participants will have the knowledge, expertise, and confidence to successfully pursue a long-term career in dementia research.