Biostatistics

ABSTRACT: BIOSTATISTICS SHARED RESOURCE The Biostatistics Shared Resource (BIOS) provides access for LCCC faculty across the basic, clinical, translational and population science spectrum to an experienced staff and recognized national leaders in statistical modeling and analysis. The Center’s breadth of science requires a broad range of expertise available in BIOS and includes for example: population sciences, psychometric analysis, clinical trial design and analysis, basic experimental science as well as “big data” –omics. This range requires a core that can be accessed by virtually all members on the “front end” for experimental design from small undertakings to large trials. Access is encouraged through a weekly walk in clinic centrally located in the Lineberger atrium where faculty and students at all levels can discuss projects at their inception. The masters and doctoral level full time BIOS SR staff operate this clinic and there is also a traditional appointment system for researchers with defined problems. This team is supported by senior biostatisticians with a wide range of expertise from the School of Public Health’s internationally recognized Biostatistics Department. These leaders also serve on the Protocol Review Committee and the Data and Safety Monitoring Committee. Senior faculty are fully engaged in LCCC research as collaborators and researchers in methods, for example in the Biostatistics PO1 in clinical trials methods development. In addition both staff and faculty encourage the participation of graduate students who have the opportunity to engage faculty and peers in statistical review as part of their own training under the guidance of the senior faculty-level statisticians. This facility is a LCCC exclusive SR and was well used by over 100 faculty in fiscal year 2019. BIOS requests $239,374 which is approximately 20% of the total operating costs for this highly subsidized facility sustained by an annual LCCC contribution of ~$1M BIOS has been a key partner in multiple grants and publications over the prior five years, from Dr Rashid’s analysis of Nobel Laureate Aziz Sancar’s work on circadian timing of DNA repair processes to Dr Tan’s design for Dr Song’s project in caregiver’s management of patient symptoms.