Translational Research Support Core

North Carolina State University Raleigh, Raleigh NC

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT – TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH SUPPORT CORE The Translational Research Support Core (TRSC) facilitates multi-directional, translational research by expanding translational partnerships, developing and enhancing research resources to provide to Center personnel, and advancing the CHHE engagement mission. The TRSC is co-directed by experienced experts in clinical research and data science, with a record of success in fostering and maintaining productive collaborations. The organizational division into Translational Partnerships and Translational Resources reflects the need to (i) cultivate relationships and connect basic and clinical investigators, and (ii) connect investigators to resources and provide direct support to collaborative partnerships, to spur new discoveries and provide translational opportunities. Existing Translational Partnerships with the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, NC Central University, and NC Department of Health and Human Services continue to provide access to clinical laboratory services, tissue biobanks, statewide exposure databases, health disparities research resources, and public health and clinical researchers and patient populations. A partnership with the NC Area Health Education Center will allow the CHHE to translate research findings into Continuing Professional Development programming for health care providers. The work of the TRSC will continue to be informed by joint activities with the CEC, including participation in the CEC Stakeholder Advisory Board meetings. The Translational Resources include Human Study Support, the Environmental Data Science Group (EDSG), and Community Engagement. Newer human study resources such as the exposure cohorts NEST, STRIVE, and the GenX study, represent emerging ecosystems, and the role of the study principal investigators (themselves TRSC members) is to serve as expert guides and to evaluate collaborative opportunities with CHHE members. This increased collaborative resource activity will require additional data management expertise and assistance with resource sharing/public repositories provided by the CHHE Data Manager. EDSG evolution has been driven by (i) continued explosive growth in -omics/sequence technologies that are transforming the EHS landscape, (ii) an increased need for general expertise in study design and analysis, (iii) an increased need to connect investigators with curated and public data sources such as Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), All of Us, and GTEx, that can be used for insilico follow-up, and (iv) novel statistical methods development as needed. The EDSG is configured to maximize the translational impact of CHHE activities by ensuring that data and findings are handled according to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles. The EDSG will continue to use the request tracking system, provide augmented services, assist with data management and sharing in public repositories and coordinate training and custom curation opportunities with the CTD.