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Claude D. Pepper Center
Research Centers (General)Claude D. Pepper CenterFor InvestigatorsPilot and Exploratory Studies Core (PESC)

Pilot and Exploratory Studies Core (PESC)

PESC Overview

Core Leader

Stephen Seliger, MD, MS
410-605-7000 ext. 55231
sseliger@som.umaryland.edu

Core Co-Leaders

Jennifer Albrecht, PhD
410-706-0071
jalbrecht@som.umaryland.edu

Avelino Verceles, MD, MS
avercele@som.umaryland.edu

 

Overview

The goal of the PESC is to provide research support and mentoring of investigators with high quality pilot and exploratory research proposals. These proposals are designed to acquire preliminary data needed for future crucial studies congruent with the Center’s focus:

  • examination of the mechanisms underlying mobility limitation
  • physical disability, and recovery from disability in vulnerable older adults
  • assessment of functional and clinical responses to novel exercise and activity-based rehabilitation interventions

This goal is being accomplished through the following specific aims:

Solicit and select high quality, innovative pilot and exploratory studies (PES) that are relevant to the UM-OAIC goal.

  • Identify talented and committed junior faculty and established investigators new to aging research from a broad range of disciplines who are interested in conducting pilot studies to advance their research careers in aging and that support the overall UM-OAIC goals.
  • Support the development of rigorously designed pilot study proposals in consultation with Research Design Studios which will provide methodological expertise specific to each proposal.
  • Through a process of rigorous internal and external peer review by accomplished investigators with relevant expertise, to select and fund the highest quality pilot and exploratory studies with the potential to successfully acquire key preliminary data necessary to support subsequent extramurally funded studies.

Support the implementation of innovative and promising pilot and exploratory studies through the utilization of PESC and UM-OAIC resources including: 

  • Project Initiation Support Groups (PISGs) to ensure the prompt and efficient initiation of research projects, including support for completion of regulatory documents, procedure manuals, data collection forms, and plans for effective participant recruitment and retention.
  • Multidisciplinary Research Working Groups (RWGs) to provide mentoring and to guide and assist investigators in conducting their projects, reporting results, and developing future investigations.
  • Resources that are critical for the successful completion of the pilot study awardees’ scientific aims from UM-OAIC Resource Cores, allied research Programs and Centers at the University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) and the larger University System of Maryland, and nationally through collaboration with other OAICs.
  • Internal and External Data and Safety Monitoring to ensure and monitor adherence to ethics, safety, privacy, and protection of human participants enrolled and animals in PESC studies, and to monitor and evaluate the progress of these studies.

The PESC works with the Leadership and Administrative Core (LAC), its Committees and Advisory Panels to provide leadership, advice and resources to ensure the coordination of innovative translational approaches to research in rehabilitation science and clinical investigation examining the mechanisms underlying the functional disabilities associated with stroke, hip fracture, and other chronic diseases prevalent in the elderly. 

Funding Opportunities

Currently Funded Pilot/Exploratory Studies

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