The overall goal of this division is to provide the core resources necessary for the development of the high quality clinical research, from study design to publication, to all investigators sharing the infrastructure. The specific aims of this activity:

1. To improve the overall quality and quantity of clinical research.
2. To foster productive interactions between basic and clinical researchers promoting a horizontal approach to clinical investigation.
3. To create a research environment which is protected from the day to day demands of clinical care activities.

   
   

Four mayor components comprise this activity:

*Clinical support staff will assist clinical investigators by providing nursing staff, patient coordinatior (patient contact and follow up) and dental assistant, all coordinated by the head nurse.

*Core laboratory services will provide basic laboratory resources for carrying out routine assays, initial processing, and storage of clinical of samples and specimens.

*The biostatistical and research methods support services will provide expertise and assistance in the areas of study design, implementation, analysis and publication to investigators participating in the Clinical Research Center.

*Pharmacy support services will provide the resources necessary for the storage and dispensing of medications, and expertise in drug-study protocol design and implementation as required by clinical studies.