Penn State Roybal Center for Promoting Adherence to Behavior Change and Enhancing Cognitive Function

PROJECT SUMMARY – ADMINISTRATIVE CORE The goal of the Administrative Core for the Penn State Roybal Center is to accelerate the translation of basic research on mechanisms of adherence to behavior change into principle-based potent and scalable interventions that increase adherence to physical activity and enhance cognitive function after an intervention. The Administrative Core will provide management oversight and oversee communication activities that involve our research team, NIH representatives, and the broader research community. The Core will also engage in financial oversight and planning and ensure regulatory compliance with the Office of Research Protections and any ancillary review processes. Administration and support of the pilot program to extend the Center’s impact across institutions will operate through the Administrative Core. And finally, the core will initiate strategic planning activities that anticipate, shape, and respond to emerging priorities at the NIH and in the broader scientific community. These activities are reflected in five specific aims. First, the Core will support clinical trials by monitoring and reporting on timely progress, fidelity, quality, and effectiveness of scientific and fiscal operations. Second, the Core will lead a robust targeted pilot grant program, including organizing review panels, with consultation from Center leaders and the External Advisory Committee. Third, the Core will expand the reach of Center activities in strategic science communication and collaboration opportunities with industry leaders, non-profit organizations, external research institutions and government agencies. Fourth, the Core will convene and coordinate an External Advisory Committee to provide feedback to the Director on scientific and administrative decisions. Finally, the Core will coordinate communication among team members, meetings, and travel to annual Roybal Center network meetings organized by the coordinating center and funder. By drawing on best practices for soliciting, reviewing, and managing pilot studies, the Administrative Core will ensure that the pilot grant program is structured, transparent, and effective in identifying innovative projects with high potential for impact. These efforts aim to lay the foundation for a large national trial to validate physical activity as a preventive strategy for Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD).