Pilot/Exploratory Studies Core (PESC)
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PROJECT SUMMARY – PILOT AND EXPLORATORY STUDIES CORE (PESC) The overall objective of the PESC is to conduct pilot studies that inform the selection, design, and conduct of subsequent larger, hypothesis-testing research in the Duke OAIC theme ‘to understand and optimize reserve and resilience’. The PESC supports studies of physiological reserve at cell, tissue, organ, and individual levels because each are key contributors to understanding and bolstering resilience at the whole person level. While this Core supports the crucial, resilience-related pilot work that is needed prior to the stage of intervention (e.g., development of measures or model systems), the PESC mentoring approach and OAIC environment trains awardees to envision and strategize how their line of research will translate into improved human outcomes. The Specific Aims of the PESC are (1) to advance top quality science related to late-life reserve and resilience; (2) to attract and nurture a diverse cadre of outstanding investigators equipped to pursue promising new directions in aging research related to our theme; (3) to build and sustain relationships with critical stakeholders to maximize the impact and translation of the work conducted through the PESC. To accomplish these Aims, the PESC partners extensively with other OAIC Cores to extend mentorship and training for awardees (Research Education Component [REC]), to coordinate a broad solicitation and selection process to attract and cultivate highly meritorious applications from a wide range of investigators (Leadership and Administrative Core [LAC]), and to support individual project needs (Molecular Measures Core [MMC], Health and Mobility Measures Core [HMC], and Analysis Core [AC]). The PESC also leverages institutional resources including the Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), the Duke Aging Center, the Duke Roybal Center, and the Duke REACH Equity Center. Further, the PESC engages stakeholders outside of Duke University, including community representatives and external reviewers who contribute to project selection as well as aging research networks that further awardees’ opportunities for career development and scientific impact and translation. The PESC will support at least three projects each year, leveraging institutional funding to support additional high caliber pilot projects or smaller-scale “seed” awards. Metrics of success include attainment of individual project milestones; dissemination of results (presentations, publications); diversity of the cadre of funded investigators; and use of pilot data to obtain funding for larger, hypothesis-testing studies.
PROJECT SUMMARY – Research Education Component (REC) The overall objective of the REC is to address unmet research training needs and build professional resilience within the growing community of aging researchers in order to accelerate the discovery and implementation of interventions enhancing physical resilience in older adults. Leveraging new programs and collaborations at Duke, REC will intentionally expand the community of translational aging researchers to include biobehavioral researchers, health disparities researchers, and health services researchers. To build professional resilience within this community, REC will coordinate an aging research curriculum combined with multiple opportunities for feedback, networking, and peer support. The curriculum is designed to enhance competencies in developing complex interventions, recruiting and retaining diverse populations, and reducing health disparities. (Aim 1). Further, the REC will train and support mentors within the community of aging researchers to enhance the quality of translational research mentoring across disciplines. To accomplish this, the REC will adapt an evidence-based mentor training workshop to address specific issues in aging research. (Aim 2). Finally, the REC will provide mentored research experiences to prepare a diverse group of aging researchers focusing on physical resilience through Career Development Awards and Pepper Seed Awards. (Aim 3). All REC programs are based in Social Constructivist adult education theory, with learners actively engaged in solving complex problems with others across disciplines. Evaluation approaches assess the level of learner engagement and direct impact of the learning on their research. Recognizing the critical need to develop and support researchers from underrepresented groups, REC will partner with the Duke Center for Research to Address Healthcare Equity (REACH EQUITY), the Duke CTSI KL2 program, and a nearby Historically Black College/University, North Carolina Central University. The ability to leverage institutional resources will markedly enhance the impact of the REC program. Support by Duke’s leaders is demonstrated by the commitment for matching funds for REC scholars by the School of Medicine Dean and Department Chairs, and the funding of the REC-initiated Colloquia by the School of Medicine Dean.
