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About Cedar | |
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Background CeDAR was founded in 2004 by Ravi Thadhani, MD, MPH, who serves as Director. Dr. Thadhani is an experienced clinical investigator, who has focused his research on understanding novel risk factors for mortality among patients who receive chronic hemodialysis. This work led him to appreciate the importance of vitamin D in health. Accordingly, he created a Center that would be dedicated to research and education on vitamin D. Start-up funding came from a combination of NIH and industry grants, and the Center continues to receive support from diverse sources. Through his research and lectures, Dr. Thadhani collaborates with many key opinion leaders in the area of vitamin D, and several have joined the CeDAR Scientific Advisory Board. These thought leaders work in both clinical and basic science research. Board members are appointed for three-year terms. The Board meets once or twice per year to score and award grants, and to discuss future activities that promote the research and educational mission of the Center. Research A major goal for CeDAR is to promote world-class clinical and basic science research on vitamin D through the awarding of Grants. Basic science research will improve our understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in the consequences of vitamin D receptor activation within various cell types, and support novel mechanisms that explain clinical outcomes. Clinical research will focus on intermediate and hard (death) endpoints as they pertain to a variety of diseases. Importantly, CeDAR grants are meant to support research efforts by investigators experienced in the area of vitamin D metabolism, as well as those who have demonstrated excellence in other areas of medicine but who now wish to pursue high-quality, novel research in the area of vitamin D. Furthermore, all grants mandate that awardees pursue federal grants to extend their proposed research. To that end, a track record of federal grants is an important review criterion in the determination of awards. CeDAR grants are meant to stimulate novel research that will receive additional independent support – along with the commitment level and recognition associated with this process. Education Every year or two, a Scientific Symposium will be held to foster exchange and dissemination of information and to promote collaborations across disciplines. CeDAR will provide support for the entire annual symposium, including honoraria, accommodations, and travel support for key speakers. The first symposium was held in Boston on October 1, 2005 and included invited key speakers, and presentations from those in other related disciplines. CeDAR also helps to educate physicians, scientists, and the community about the importance of vitamin D research and the implications of the research funded by the Center. Because vitamin D science is a developing and dynamic field with broad implications for public health, the Center also encourages education, awareness and public relations efforts. Participants in all CeDAR activities are encouraged to create and share a variety of Lectures on vitamin D, which are posted on this website for easy downloading and dissemination. These different approaches should make it easier to improve understanding of the widespread biological and clinical consequences related to the activation of the vitamin D receptor. For More Information We encourage you to contact us by email at cedar@partners.org or phone 617-726-3772. |
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