PROJECT SUMMARY To address the critical gap in cancer disparities research created by a lack of access, particularly by early- stage investigators, to high level methods expertise, the Research Design and Analysis Core (RDAC) will provide methodologists and statisticians to meet the needs of Partnership investigators and trainees. By bridging this gap in qualitative and mixed methods, the RDAC will maximize its impact on practice and reduce disparities within new lines of cancer research. Reaching across institutional and disciplinary divides, the RDAC will provide population and basic science studies with the methodologic expertise for proper study design and data acquisition/analysis, and infrastructure for inclusive data collection at individual-, organizational-, and community-levels with a focus to minimize bias due to data chauvinism and absenteeism, foster cross-institutional relationships, and provide URM students with novel educational opportunities. In addition, the RDAC will offer a broad spectrum of educational experiences to enhance the field of cancer disparities research. We will provide mentorship and training in the design, implementation, and analysis of population science research to meet the diverse needs of the Partnership research community and to facilitate sound clinical and basic science research. The aims of the RDAC are to: 1) Address the gap/shortage of methodologists, the RDAC will provide methodological consultation, operational support, and mentorship for quantitative and qualitative cancer research projects; 2) Address problems with data absenteeism and data chauvinism by providing investigators with cutting-edge, innovative experimental design and statistical methods; 3) Build methodological and statistical capability and expertise among all Partnership faculty, trainees and staff, as well as the broader community; and 4) Provide support to the other Partnership Cores for administrative activities, through program evaluation, educational programming, and data management/analysis. In addition to future incubator projects, project applications, and additional research projects, the RDAC will support the following funded research projects in this renewal application: Full Project 1: Testing Home-based Exercise Strategies to Improve Exercise Participation and Cardiovascular Health in Underserved Minority Patients with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy (Yan and Dieli-Conwright) and Pilot Project 1: Impact of Changing Restaurant Advertising on Obesity Risk and Disparities (Francis, Horn and Bleich)