Pilot/Exploratory Studies Core (PESC)
University Of Pittsburgh At Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA
Investigators
Linked publications, trials & patents
Abstract
PESC Summary/Abstract The goal of the Pitt OAIC/Exploratory Studies Core (PESC) is to support innovative pilot research proposals thematically aligned with the Pittsburgh OAIC mission to optimize balance and mobility and reduce falls in older adults. The PESC selects proposals that expand the breadth and depth of the Pitt OAIC program and contribute to the overarching national OAIC goals to maintain or restore independence of older persons. The types of pilot studies span the research spectrum, including basic, clinical, translational, implementation and community-based approaches. In the past 4 years, the PESC supported 14 Pilot Studies and 2 Small REC Pilots, and selected and monitored 5 Developmental Projects, resulting in 23 peer-reviewed publications. These projects have successfully resulted in over $18 million of external funding, primarily from NIH. The PESC is also committed to mentoring investigators and advancing their careers, fostering skills and orientation to team-based research and geriatric outcomes. The Specific Aims of the PESC are to: 1) promote, review, and foster basic, translational, clinical and implementation research oriented to mobility, balance and aging; establish and conduct systematic program evaluations, and to accelerate innovative methodological, technological, and conceptual approaches, particularly those that catalyze collaborations across departments, and thereby expanding interest in aging research and 2) To assemble transdisciplinary teams to provide individualized, sustained mentoring to Pilot applicants and awardees and tailored grantsmanship support. In year one of the renewal, we propose to fund three standard Pilot research projects and one REC Pilot demonstrating the Pittsburgh OAICâs growth areas (fostering basic/translational/clinical/implementation research, fostering collaborations with the VA, and multidisciplinary approaches to mobility, balance and aging research).
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