Department of Biostatistics

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Research

The Department of Biostatistics focuses on statistical applications in clinical and basic science research:

  • Bayesian modeling, computation and inference
  • Clinical trial design and analysis
  • Statistical methods for cancer screening studies
  • Neural network modeling
  • Prognostic factor studies
  • Survival data analysis
  • Missing data analytic procedures
  • Sequential statistical designs
  • Hierarchical modeling
  • Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms
  • Genetic testing algorithms
  • Noninferiority analysis
  • Regression analysis
  • Applied decision theory
  • Longitudinal studies
  • Disease mapping
  • Nonparametric statistical methods
  • Pharmacodynamic modeling
  • Analysis of population pharmacokinetics
  • Nonlinear dynamics

Biostatistics Resource Group

The Biostatistics Resource Group (BRG) of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is partially funded by the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, through the Cancer Center Support Grant, P30 CA016672 (P. Pisters, PI).

BRG Director: J. Jack Lee, Ph.D.
Co-Directors: Yu Shen, Ph.D., and Marcy Johnson, M.S.

The BRG provides biostatistical support for all institutional research projects, in the form of

  • Design of experiments, clinical trials and other clinical studies
  • Standard and innovative analyses
  • Power and sample size calculations
  • Biostatistical requirements for grant applications
  • Long-term collaborative research efforts
  • Statistical interpretations for inclusion in manuscripts
  • Advice on data requirements for data analysis

The BRG is here to help. To determine the level of biostatistical support needed, MD Anderson researchers can follow these guidelines:

New projects:

  • Long-term Projects (assigned statistician)
    For assistance in the design of clinical trials or other projects requiring substantial biostatistical collaboration, complete a Biostatistical Collaboration Request Form (intranet site under the Department of Biostatistics). You will be contacted by a biostatistician assigned to your department, usually within one or two working days.
  • Short-term Projects (Biostatistics Clinic)
    For brief questions about data analysis, statistical interpretation, or project feasibility, meet with our On-Duty Statistician in the T. Boone Pickens Academic Tower. A statistician is available 3 days per week for drop-in consultations: Mondays, 10 a.m. to noon; Wednesdays, 1to 3 p.m.; and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon. Please see the receptionist, Department of Biostatistics, Room FCT4.6000 in the T. Boone Pickens Academic Tower: The reception area is located through the glass doors adjacent to the elevator bank on the 4th floor. The clinic will be held in the library, room FCT4.5071.
    *If uncertain which category your project fits into, please drop by and see our on-duty statistician at the clinic.

Ongoing Projects:

Questions regarding an ongoing project? Please contact the biostatistician with whom you have been working. Contact information is available online.

Frequently asked questions:

What is the fee to use BRG services?
The BRG does not charge a fee for its service; however, co-authorship on manuscripts and salary support through the PI’s funding mechanism (when applicable) are requested.

How far in advance should I contact a statistician?
Contact a faculty statistician or statistical analyst in the Department of Biostatistics

  • as you are starting to plan your research protocol
  • at least two weeks before an abstract submission for a meeting or conference is due
  • at least four weeks before an R01 grant proposal is due
  • at least 16 weeks before a P01 grant proposal is due
  • at least 16 weeks before a SPORE grant proposal is due

What information should I bring to an initial consultation?

  • Bring the PI name, project name, and grant number associated with your research project. If the research is not funded through a grant, bring the name of the primary investigator and the project name.
  • Bring any information, including preliminary data, that will help to explain your project and the science that motivates it

Biostatistician assignment by department

The BRG assigns at least one faculty statistician and statistical analyst team leader as the primary contacts for each research department at MD Anderson. This contact information is available on the intranet site for the Department of Biostatistics.