Leadership and Administrative Core

University Of Michigan At Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor MI

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

REVISED ABSTRACT: LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTATIVE CORE The Leadership and Administrative Core (LAC) of the Michigan Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease (MCCFAD) promotes the two long-term goals of the Center to: (1) Advance Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) relevant social and behavioral science research; and 2) Increase the research workforce dedicated to ADRD. We engage with three disparities populations with unique histories in Michigan: Middle Eastern North African (MENA) Americans, Latinos and African Americans. ADRD research and community based relations with MENA and Latinos are developed specifically within this project; whereas, thanks to our UM colleagues, we capitalize on the already developed research and community based relations with African Americans developed by the Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research (MCUAAAR) and the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (MADRC). The LAC ensures integration and coordination of all MCCFAD activities through effective interactions, communication, and information flow. Further, it leverages existing resources at the University of Michigan (UM) and partner institutions (Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Oakland University, UM-Dearborn) to enable unique linkages for collaborative mentoring and research. Fundamental to the Center are the pilot projects of the AD-RCMAR Research Scientists. Therefore, the LAC provides oversight and support for the solicitation and selection of pilot projects for funding and for the recruitment of Research Scientists for the Center’s Enrichment and Summer Data Immersion programs. This AD-RCMAR focuses on social and behavioral research that examines contextual factors that influence ADRD and ADRD disparities. To conduct high quality research in these areas, research should include community members in all aspects of the research. In conjunction with the Community Liaison and Recruitment Core, the LAC will continue to build and sustain community partnerships in the most sensitive and appropriate manner possible. And finally, the LAC ensures organizational and fiscal integrity, program effectiveness, and compliance with all relevant rules, regulations, and ethical principles. We maximize the use of technology to implement a structure of segmented responsibility and strong oversight that includes counsel from Internal and External Advisory Boards as well as Community Partner Boards and Health Professional Steering Committees. In sum, the LAC oversees, manages, directs, and supports all other MCCFAD Cores to assure that it enriches the conduct and quality of research on contextual factors in ADRD and ADRD disparities while also increasing the ADRD workforce.