Biostatistics, Epidemiology, & Research Design Core

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Contact this core
Email: biostatistics@lacats.org

 

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About This Core

The Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Research Design (BERD) Core will provide consultation, guidance, and analytical resources for the study design, epidemiology and statistical analysis of research at our LA CaTS institutions. The purpose of this Core is to assemble epidemiology and biostatistics specialists as a single coordinated resource and match individualized skills and interests with study-specific research needs. This would provide a broad spectrum of expertise that could not be duplicated by any single institution and establish a critical requisite for addressing a recognized barrier to transforming the clinical and translational research in Louisiana to a prominent level of scientific excellence. This goal is particularly important given that a major objective of the LA CaTS Center is to help advance the research focus of COBRE/INBREs of the state to a more clinical research and translational direction. This Core will therefore be a vital resource in support of the COBRE/INBRE mentoring programs as these programs play fundamental roles in developing new investigators by presenting them with novel research opportunities and providing an environment of support characterized by established senior investigators. In order to address the specific needs of our COBRE/INBRE mentees, this Core plans to have frequent and ongoing dialogues with the COBRE/INBRE mentors responsible for the specific training of the mentees.

The objective of the Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Research Design Core is to:

Specific Aim 1. Provide an easily accessible, user-friendly resource of biostatistics, epidemiology, and research design expertise for clinical and translational researchers, particularly those with projects focused on underserved and underrepresented populations in Louisiana. The BERD promotes the use of efficient and valid state-of-the-art study designs and analytical methods to enhance reproducible and rigorous conclusions from research outcomes. Special emphasis will be placed on locations where, currently, statisticians are generally not available to work with clinical and translational researchers. The BERD will expand expertise in additional statistical areas, such as high dimensional and quantitative imaging data, to ensure all researchers across the state have ready access to statistical assistance as required.
Specific Aim 2. Participate in the education of future clinical and translational researchers by providing training in objective, good-practice, scientific investigation through study-design methodologies and quantitative statistical practices. The BERD leadership and staff will provide individual instruction to mentees guiding them as they develop comprehensive personalized statistical analysis plans for their research projects. The BERD Core will work closely with the Professional Development (PD) Core to present and coordinate special seminars and lectures, targeted at both researchers with little formal statistical training and those with advance knowledge; and work closely with the Community Engagement and Outreach (CEO) Core to educate the citizen scientists and community stakeholders on important statistical principles.
Specific Aim 3. Expand the knowledge and use of statistical analyses to ensure studies that address disparities and promote health equity are adequately designed and use statistically rigorous techniques. BERD members will conduct a quarterly education seminar series for statistical researchers and other interested parties on best statistical practices to ensure studies that address disparities and promote health equity are designed correctly. Biostatisticians from other IDeA-CTRs will be invited to attend and participate in presentations by virtual medium. We will coordinate closely with the Pilot Projects Program (PPP) Core to ensure that every project has sound statistical rigor, and to address issues regarding health disparities.

In addition, this Core will deliver an education and training curriculum in research design and analysis, and integrate good clinical research practice into the research process by providing good practice consultation and training to LA CaTS members. This Core will also foster a safe environment for patient participation.