# Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design Core

> **NIH NIH U54** · UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MED SCIENCES · 2022 · $332,407

## Abstract

Abstract/Summary
The Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design (BERD) Core of the Hispanic Alliance for Translational
and Clinical Research (Alliance) aims to provide expertise and support in the design, implementation, and
statistical analysis of research projects, as well as research methods training opportunities to Alliance
investigators, BERD staff, and the community, which will ultimately improve the health of Hispanic communities
in Puerto Rico (PR) and the United States. Our long-term goal is to improve the overall quality of clinical and
translational research studies conducted by Alliance investigators. Appropriate methods and analysis will
promote the advancement of research through further funding, and underpin the development of strategies to
prevent and treat diseases and conditions prevalent in Hispanic populations. Properly designed and conducted
(i.e., epidemiologically and statistically sound) studies will help ensure dissemination of results in high -impact
journals. Through a centralized unit with available expertise, we will address the increasing demand for
epidemiology and biostatistics services and contribute to the professional development of statisticians working
in Alliance institutions, especially in new and advanced methods. BERD Core has recruited and established
collaborations with experts with specialized knowledge from Alliance and other institutions, who would
otherwise not be available for Alliance investigators. Development and expansion of alternative funding
mechanisms will ensure long-term feasibility of these services. BERD will address the long-term goal with a
combination of proven and new mechanisms in the following aims: Specific Aim 1. Provide epidemiological and
biostatistical expertise and support for design, implementation, and analysis of clinical and translational
research projects focused on health conditions prevalent in Hispanic communities in Puerto Rico and across
the United States. Specific Aim 2. Develop and implement training programs to increase knowledge and skills
in research design, data management, and statistical methods, for Alliance investigators, BERD staff, and
community leaders and members. Specific Aim 3. Establish and strengthen working relationships of BERD with
other IDeA institutions and Clinical and Translational Research Centers (CTRCs), and other external
consultants. BERD expects that increased knowledge and improved support for researchers in biostatistics
and epidemiology will lead to improved quality of research and therefore more grants awarded and papers in
high-impact journals. Established, as well as innovative tools and methods, such as advanced user forums
and new statistical tools and macros, will strengthen BERD as a hub for epidemiology and biostatistics
expertise.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10417255
- **Project number:** 5U54GM133807-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MED SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Sona Rivas-Tumanyan
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $332,407
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-09-02 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10417255

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10417255, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design Core (5U54GM133807-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10417255. Licensed CC0.

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