PROJECT ABSTRACT
New discoveries in Tobacco Regulatory Science (TRS) are occurring at a rapid pace, but translating these
advances into more robust research practices and policy faces enormous challenges, including the synthesis
and dissemination of these findings to reach a variety of stakeholders. In addition, as the tobacco product
landscape continues to evolve, new TRS research is needed, as well as further integration to help inform the
FDA’s regulatory actions. A strong coordinating center, serving as a hub and connector for TRS researchers, is
critical to overcoming these challenges and to promoting effective TRS research. We have designed our
Center for Coordination of Analytics, Science, Enhancement and Logistics (CASEL) to address challenges
faced by this rapidly changing environment and expanding knowledge base. Our specific aims are to: (1) Serve
as the scientific research coordinator for TRS by facilitating collaboration and dissemination to advance the
science and inform CTP rule-making; and by supporting the adoption of consensus methods and measures,
data sharing, and synthesis; (2) Accelerate the progress of TRS by fostering communication, coordinating
information-sharing opportunities, and making research resources readily accessible to the TRS community;
(3) Enhance the capacity of researchers to conduct impactful research by supporting career enhancement
activities across the CTP-funded research community; (4) Establish a logistical and management infrastructure
for efficient and effective coordination of a diverse portfolio of TRS research; (5) Provide the scientific expertise
and perspective to contribute to the identification of research needs and the means to work cooperatively with
Federal partners and the research community to address them; and (6) Serve as a conduit between NIH, CTP,
and the Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS) to enhance and accelerate output and facilitate the
conduct of rapid response projects to address high-priority questions. We will accomplish these aims with a
collaborative structure that builds on our experienced scientific and management leadership, well-developed
infrastructure, and ability to bring diverse teams together to make CASEL a successful and supportive partner
in advancing TRS. We have held the predecessor Center for Evaluation and Coordination of Training and
Research (CECTR), and thus have a wealth of resources, experience, organization, and an established TRS
network to step into CASEL seamlessly, to enhance and expand our initiatives, and to introduce nuanced,
effective innovation in our approaches. Jeanne Rosenthal and Dr. Robin Mermelstein will serve as Co-PIs and
leaders of the Leadership and Logistics Core, providing high-level management and nationally recognized
scientific leadership respectively. Our highly experienced Core Leads, Dr. Howard Fishbein (Analytics and
Synthesis), Ms. Amy Solis (Career Enhancement), and Dr. Cassandra Stanton (Dissemination), will provide
effective and knowledgeable oversight to meet each core’s specific aims. We have brought together a wide
range of collaborators to create an ideal environment to foster and promote the conduct of high quality TRS.
