# The UNC Core Center for Clinical Research: Methodologic Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2020 · $246,065

## Abstract

ABSTRACT – METHODOLOGY CORE
Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), including osteoarthritis (OA), are major sources of pain and
disability worldwide, yet significant gaps persist in our understanding of disease mechanisms and optimal
treatment strategies for many RMDs. There is a critical need for high quality, advanced studies that will
meaningfully improve our understanding of RMDs, particularly phenotypes that predict disease progression
and treatment response. The Methodology Core of our University of North Carolina (UNC) Core Center for
Clinical Research (CCCR) is uniquely equipped to provide a comprehensive suite of resources that will
optimize clinical RMD studies locally, nationally and internationally. Our Methodology Core includes
researchers with expertise in biostatistics and bioinformatics, epidemiological studies, clinical trials, training
and mentoring, health disparities, intervention development, dissemination and implementation, along with
RMD-specific expertise in areas including imaging, biomarkers, and treatment guidelines. We have a long,
successful track record of designing and conducting seminal clinical RMD studies (particularly in OA),
developing junior investigators into independent researchers, fostering national/international collaborations,
delivering methodological training to the RMD research community, leading national and international RMD-
focused work groups and communicating, advocating, and influencing public policy. Building and expanding on
our proven processes and established infrastructure, the Methodology Core will continue to serve the RMD
research community by achieving three specific aims. First, we will support the development and application of
advanced and innovative statistical methodologies (e.g., supervised and unsupervised machine learning,
outcome-weighted learning, Markov state modeling, high dimensional low sample size methods, heterogeneity
of treatment effects) to clinical RMD studies; this will include support for our Phenotyping and Precision
Medicine Core. Second, we will provide comprehensive, rigorous multidisciplinary methodological resources
that support and advance clinical RMD research within the CCCR base, as well as through collaborative efforts
locally, nationally and internationally. Third, we will deliver state-of-the-art educational materials and training
that prepare researchers, both locally and nationally/internationally, to conduct high quality, innovative clinical
studies on RMDs. Collectively, these aims will provide services to a large, international clinical RMD research
community, resulting in studies that lead to significant improvements in care and outcomes for the many
patients living with RMDs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10017045
- **Project number:** 5P30AR072580-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** TODD A SCHWARTZ
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $246,065
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-11 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10017045

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10017045, The UNC Core Center for Clinical Research: Methodologic Core (5P30AR072580-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10017045. Licensed CC0.

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