Overview
Biostatistics and bioinformatics support is available to UW investigators for grant proposal and protocol development through BERD (Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design). BERD staff and faculty collaborate with investigators spanning the spectrum of scientific research, from basic science/ pre-clinical including animal and cell culture studies, to clinical, or translational research. Experience with peer review shows that careful attention to biostatistical and bioinformatic issues during study planning increases the probability of project funding. BERD provides a range of diverse services, specifically tailored to your needs, including:
- Design of clinical trials, observational studies, or laboratory experiments
- Advice on appropriate experimental design
- Assistance with problem definition and planned statistical methodology
- Definition of study endpoints and data items required
- Design and implementation of randomization and stratification
- Estimation of sample size and power
- Developing statistical analysis plans (SAP’s)
- Completing a statistical section for grant applications
Study design is the foundation on which medical research sits. Proper study design will increase the likelihood of collecting data that will be able to draw meaningful conclusions for the research questions of the study. Statistical support is necessary to achieve an appropriate study design. Consultations can provide support for study design in the following ways:
- Data collection methods match the aims of the study
- Randomization methods and implementation
- Sample size and power calculations
- Statistical Analysis Plan (SAP)
- Statistical writing for the grant/protocol to justify the statistical methods
The following requirements are necessary to be able to receive grant and protocol development assistance from BERD:
- Human or animal health related study topic
- At least one of the key personnel on the study is a researcher with an appointment in a department of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health or School of Veterinarian Medicine