Skip to main content

Methodology Core

Purpose

Dr. Todd Schwartz and Dr. Kelli Allen are leading researchers.
Todd Schwartz, DrPH; and Kelli Allen, PhD, Co-Directors of the Methodology Core

The Methodology Core serves as the foundation of the UNC Core Center for Clinical Research (CCCR) and provides key support for the development, implementation, and dissemination of innovative clinical studies in rheumatological and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).

To initiate the process of requesting information, consultation, collaboration, and/or data from UNC’s CCCR, please complete and submit this form.

UNC’s CCR Methodology Core includes researchers with in-depth expertise in:

  • Biostatistics & Bioinformatics
  • Epidemiological Studies and Clinical Trials
  • Study Logistics, Implementation, and Dissemination
  • Imaging, Biomarkers, and Health Disparities
  • Intervention Development, Clinical Aspects of RMDs, and Education

The Methodology Core facilitates optimized design of studies through its expertise in:

  • Advanced statistical methods (including machine learning and other data science approaches, in collaboration with the Phenotyping and Precision Medicine Resource Core)
  • Innovative trial design
  • Complex longitudinal epidemiological methods
  • Advanced imaging analysis

The Methodology Core also promotes efficiency by providing researchers with infrastructure and expertise in essential aspects of study development and conduct, including:

  • Recruitment processes and patient selection criteria
  • Intervention development
  • Stakeholder engagement

Advisory, Brainstorming and Consultative (ABC) Sessions: Provide an On-Demand Team of Leading Experts:

The CCCR’s multi-disciplinary ABC Sessions consist of 6-10 experts providing real-time, constructive and supportive feedback to researchers from a variety of valuable perspectives, including biostatistics, epidemiology, health services research, clinical rheumatology, and allied health sciences. The scope of projects discussed in these sessions range from pilot studies to career development awards and R01-level studies.

ABC sessions are available to trainees and researchers at all career stages and can involve any phase of research conduct, including:

  • Developing specific aims or a more complete project proposal
  • Data collection strategies
  • Study design issues
  • Data analysis guidance and interpretation
  • Dissemination of findings
  • Abstract review
  • Manuscript development or revision
  • Many other services as desired

Providing Insights From a Wide Range of Collaborative CCCRs to Address Your Research Needs

The Methodology Core takes a leading role in pulling together the collective expertise from other CCCRs at other institutions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As part of this effort, the Methodology Core also hosts ongoing CCCR Speakers Series and Collaborative CCCR Speakers Series, expert presentations.

For more information, or to communicate with someone regarding our Methodology Core, please contact: Todd Schwartz, DrPH; tschwart@email.unc.edu, or Kelli Allen, PhD; kdallen@email.unc.edu.