Mission of the Biostatistics and Biomedical Informatics Core (BBIC)
The Tennessee Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) is located in the Southeastern US, the region with both the greatest number of new HIV-1 infections, and of persons living with HIV. This CFAR’s institutional and community environment is rich in opportunity, and with a culture of engagement and collaboration. Thoughtful study design, data collection, statistical analysis, and tool development are essential to high quality HIV/AIDS research. The over-arching goal of the BBIC is to elevate the quality of HIV/AIDS research. The BBIC provides statistical and biomedical informatics support to HIV/AIDS investigators at Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University, and the Tennessee Department of Health.
Specific Aims of the BBIC:
1. To provide statistical and biomedical informatics support for TN-CFAR projects.
Specific initiatives focused on providing support include
- Weekly, on-site, walk-in biostatistics/biomedical informatics clinics specifically for HIV-related projects, rotating between VU, MMC, and TDH.
- For Developmental Core (DC) Awards, pre-submission consultation for all applicants and guaranteed post-award support for recipients.
- An already-implemented and successful schema for high-quality statistical and biomedical informatics collaboration.
2. To develop databases, tools, and methods that will advance HIV research of the TN-CFAR and beyond.
Specific initiatives focused on methods and tools development include
- Linkage of TDH statewide surveillance databases to create a new resource for population-based HIV research, and the development of a clinical research database at MMC’s HIV primary care clinic.
- Informatics tools to improve data linkage, management, and sharing across institutions.
- Statistical methods to permit more efficient use of clinical and surveillance datasets.
3. To provide statistical and biomedical informatics training to TN-CFAR investigators.
Specific initiatives focused on training include
- Training in walk-in clinics and one-on-one mentoring (Specific Aim 1)
- Attendance and participation in monthly TN-CFAR seminars and HIV/AIDS journal clubs.
- Three biostatistics/biomedical informatics seminars per year focused on bringing outside HIV data scientists to the TN-CFAR.
Contacts
Bryan Shepherd, PhD (bryan.shepherd@vumc.org)
Phone: 615-343-3496