Celebrating the Methodology Center At Purdue

We are thrilled to announce the creation of the Methodology Center at Purdue (MCAP), a groundbreaking cross-college initiative aimed at enhancing methodological expertise and fostering collaborative opportunities in the behavioral, health, and social sciences. This center is set to become a hub of innovation and excellence, driving forward the frontiers of interdisciplinary research and education.

Our Mission and Activities

MCAP is committed to advancing methodological knowledge and skills through a variety of dynamic and engaging activities:

  1. Monthly Work-in-Progress Seminar Series: These seminars provide a platform for researchers to present their ongoing work, receive feedback, and engage in stimulating discussions.
  2. Regular Workshops and External Speakers: We host workshops on cutting-edge methodologies and invite renowned experts to share their insights and experiences.
  3. Graduate Training Platform: We are developing a comprehensive graduate certification program in advanced interdisciplinary statistics and methodologies, designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in their research careers.

Exciting News: NIH Grant Award

MCAP is proud to share that the leaders of MCAP have been awarded a prestigious grant of $934,950 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) – National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The grant, titled “Interdisciplinary Summer Institute on the Analysis of Complex, Large-Scale Longitudinal Data,” will be implemented from September 2024 to August 2027. This significant funding will support the establishment of a week-long summer institute on longitudinal data analysis, bringing in approximately 50 participants each summer and creating a sustainable funding model for the center.

The principal investigators for this grant are Trenton Mize, James McCann, Kristine Marceau, and Sharon Christ. Their leadership and vision are instrumental in driving the success of this initiative and of the center.

Official Grant Summary

“There is an increasing number of publicly available complex, large, longitudinal datasets, and a corresponding urgent need for new, accessible opportunities to educate scientists in the responsible use of these data. This R25 will address this urgent need by imparting high quality training in longitudinal data analytic skills to 150 diverse academic and non-academic participants, while also training 18 diverse graduate students to effectively teach these methods, thereby increasing the quality of the instructional workforce as well.”

Looking Ahead

The establishment of MCAP marks a significant milestone in Purdue’s commitment to excellence in research and education. We look forward to the exciting opportunities and advancements that will emerge from this initiative.

Join us for the Opening Reception and Flash Talk MCAP Event on September 20 at the John Purdue Room from 3-5 PM. This event will be a fantastic opportunity to meet the team, learn more about our initiatives, and hear brief presentations on current research projects.

Stay tuned for updates on our seminars, workshops, and the upcoming summer institute!

Join us in celebrating this momentous occasion and the bright future of the Methodology Center at Purdue!

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