Clinical and Population Sciences Core

George Washington University, Washington DC

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY The Clinical and Population Sciences (CPS) Core is an essential resource for DC CFAR investigators that supports HIV-related research in a wide range of disciplines across participating institutions. The CPS Core is led by an experienced team of senior HIV investigators: Dr. Seble Kassaye, Core Director, Clinical and Epidemiology (Georgetown University); Dr. Qing Pan, Co-Director, Biostatistics [George Washington University (GW)]; Dr. Marc Siegel, Co-Director, Clinical (GW); and Dr. Irene Kuo, Associate Director, Epidemiology (GW). The Specific Aims of the Core are to: 1) provide comprehensive clinical, biostatistics and epidemiology services to DC CFAR investigators; 2) expand the breadth and impact of clinical and population HIV science in Washington, DC; 3) support community and public health partnerships to accelerate the translation of research findings into action; and 4) promote the recruitment and career development of clinical and population HIV scientists. During the current 2020-2024 project period, the CPS Core provided over 280 Core services which supported 65 unique investigators, 83 publications, 26 pilot award applications, 8 administrative supplements, 35 NIH grant submissions, and 15 new NIH grants. The most frequently requested services were presubmission consultations on study design and analysis plans, reviews of grant proposals and manuscripts, data analysis support, and guidance on study implementation issues such as recruitment, protocol compliance, and retention. The Core connected investigators to scientific collaborators and community members and facilitated access to existing cohort data and biorepositories. To support the overall mission of the DC CFAR, the CPS Core will continue to foster the careers of early stage investigators participating in the DC CFAR Developmental Core Pilot Award and mentoring programs; investigators from the Mid-Atlantic CFAR Collaboration (MACC) Scholars Program; and established investigators transitioning to HIV research. In addition, the Core initiated several innovative programs in 2020- 2024 that will be expanded in 2025-2030 including CPS Core Conversations, monthly expert-led seminars to stimulate multi-disciplinary collaborations, and the CPS Core Matchmaker program that matches DC CFAR investigators with trainees seeking a future in the biomedical or statistical field. With the expansion of clinical, observational, and virtual longitudinal HIV cohorts in Washington, DC such as the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study, the DC Cohort and the LITE 2 Cohort, the CPS Core will guide DC CFAR investigators on how to access and leverage these large federally funded HIV research platforms.