Core G: Research Education Component (RL5)

ABSTRACT – RESEARCH EDUCATION COMPONENT
The overall goal of the Research Education Component (REC) is to develop high quality investigators engaged
in transformative interdisciplinary research on the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
of Alzheimer’s dementia and related dementias (AD/ADRD). Recent advances, particularly the application of
high throughput biochemical and molecular techniques and novel approaches to integrate multilevel and
multiethnic data, offer an unprecedented opportunity for scientific progress but also pose unique challenges for
investigators engaged in aging research. Optimization of emerging methodologies in high impact research
requires talented scientists capable of sharing knowledge and methodologies across disciplines. Truly
interdisciplinary research can be difficult to accomplish, however. Barriers include limited shared knowledge
among investigators from diverse disciplines and changing dynamics in the field; junior investigators
increasingly hold expertise in emerging methodologies but may lack a full appreciation of their potential to
address critical gaps in knowledge, and senior investigators with a deep understanding of these gaps may be
unfamiliar with emerging methodologies. New integrative and multidirectional learning opportunities (i.e.,
learning flows from investigators of all levels across disciplines and institutions) are needed to facilitate efficient
knowledge transfer and productive partnership among diverse investigators. The REC will capitalize on a
highly multidisciplinary faculty and implement an integrative and multidirectional approach to facilitate truly
interdisciplinary aging research with a focus on emerging methodologies and high priority areas such as health
disparities. Toward this end, the REC will provide cross-disciplinary training in key disciplines relevant to aging
and link this to new training in emerging methodologies and health disparities research using the highly unique
clinical, biologic and biospecimen data generated at Rush. The REC will work with all other Rush ADRC Cores
to implement and oversee a variety of educational activities, including 1) a monthly Neuroepidemiology of
Aging Seminar; 2) intensive mini-internship training in emerging methodologies and health disparities, 3)
individualized mentoring, and 4) participation in the RADC annual Aging Research Forum. Via careful
integration with the other Rush ADRC Cores, the REC will develop highly skilled interdisciplinary investigators
capable of leveraging contemporary approaches in high impact and innovative AD/ADRD research.

Grant Number: 5P30AG072975-05
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: PATRICIA BOYLE