PROJECT SUMMARY ABSTRACT – Pilot and Exploratory Studies Core (PESC) The overall goal of the Pilot and Exploratory Studies Core (PESC) is to promote innovative and promising research addressing the predictors, outcomes and amelioration of late-life disability, especially in vulnerable populations. This renewal application builds on the success of the OAIC PESC over the past 9 years in which we have supported scholars from across the academic spectrum of seniority, from residents to senior faculty. The impact of the OAIC PESC Scholars to date has been significant, resulting in over $16 million in federal funding. For this cycle, we are placing special attention on the intense pressures placed on junior faculty transitioning to independence and opportunities to catalyze their future projects and career growth in our OAIC theme area. As a result, we will focus on supporting junior scholars who already have a K award and are preparing for the transition to independence – namely, by supporting pilot, exploratory and preliminary studies to facilitate a first R01 or equivalent award. We will additionally maintain flexibility to prioritize scholars from underrepresented backgrounds interested in in equity research, though they may be at earlier stages in training (i.e., pre-K). The PESC specific aims are as follows: (1) Identify promising junior scholars interested in or committed to aging research focused on the medical and social determinants of late-life disability, and support their transition from career development awards to R01/equivalent awards with pilot and exploratory funding; (2) Integrate training and support activities of the PESC (which is focused on K to R transitions) closely with the REC (which is focused on obtaining K-awards) to develop a seamless program of support from pre-K fellows to Associate Professors; (3) Provide PESC Scholars support in study design, analysis, recruitment and retention of diverse and vulnerable populations through use of the OAIC Cores, specifically the Data and Analysis Core (DAC) and the Vulnerable Aging Research Core (VARC); (4) Integrate PESC studies and scholars with resources from the UCSF Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), the Center for Aging in Diverse Communities, the Center for Vulnerable Populations, and other relevant resources at UCSF; and (5) Promote diversity among researchers in aging, through offering specific support for pilot award candidates from diverse backgrounds who apply for PESC funding.