The Leadership and Administrative Core (LAC) ensures that the UM-OAIC provides support for conducting novel research and training the next generation of scientists pursuing research careers in aging and oversight to the five UM-OAIC cores. Core leaders also foster maximal outreach and interaction with the rest of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) interprofessional campus, other OAICs, and research programs elsewhere pursuing work on areas relevant to the UM-OAIC’s enablement theme (discussed in Overall component).

The UM-OAIC will be led by an experienced team comprised of Jay Magaziner, PhD, MSHyg, Leslie I. Katzel, MD, PhD, and Alice Ryan, PhD, who will be responsible for the scientific direction, operation/management, evaluation and integration of the components of the UM-OAIC directed at the UM-OAIC goals of:

1. Advancing an understanding of the mechanisms by which exercise, activity-based, and multi-modal rehabilitation interventions directed at specific functional impairments affect multiple body systems underlying functional performance and enable functional recovery;
2. Developing and testing interventions to restore function and minimize disability following acute disabling events and gradual declines related to serious chronic diseases; and
3. Preparing junior-level investigators and more established investigators who are new to the field of aging, who will further the understanding of the aging process and develop interventions that help promote health and independence in older adults with disabling conditions.

The LAC fosters ongoing discussion among core leaders and faculty to ensure research and research training are carried out in a cohesive, coordinated and integrated manner.  The LAC also will continue engaging scientists and educators from across UMB so that research and research training can take full advantage of the breadth and depth of experience in aging and other relevant areas to facilitate collaborations that advance UM-OAIC goals. It is the synergistic and collaborative efforts of this group of scientists that make the UM-OAIC so productive and successful.

To meet the goals of the LAC, we have implemented the following specific aims:

• Coordinate and oversee all aspects of the UM-OAIC, including developing collaborations and enhancing integration with other relevant programs at UM and elsewhere.
• Enrich the cadre of basic, clinical and population scientists conducting translational research in the enablement of disabled older people by recruiting outstanding junior and senior faculty and research staff to become involved in the UM-OAIC.
• Advance the careers of junior faculty from multiple disciplines to become independent investigators and academic leaders in aging research.
• Develop and allocate resources that support the conduct of basic, clinical, and translational research designed to advance UM-OAIC goals.
• Ensure independent review and oversight of UM-OAIC research and scholar training, data quality and integrity, and safety for studies undertaken by pilot study awardees and REC Scholars.
• Convene meetings of core components as needed to assure ongoing and uninterrupted operations.
• Manage the UM-OAIC budget and distribution of funds, assure adherence to federal regulations and NIA policies, and report scientific progress and resource use annually to NIA.