BIOSTATISTICS, EPIDEMIOLOGY,
& RESEARCH DESIGN
ABOUT BIOSTATISTICS, EPIDEMIOLOGY, & RESEARCH DESIGN
The Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design (BERD) program is committed to providing investigators with ready access to research methods support. As such, BERD provides free 1-hour consultative services to all CCTST investigators who desire methodologic guidance regarding their research projects. Information to be discussed during the consultation may include developing and refining study hypotheses, guidance regarding a statistical analysis plan, guidance regarding data management needs. BERD will refer investigators who require additional support beyond the 1 hour consultation (e.g., conducting a statistical analysis, building a research database) to the appropriate services.
For faculty members who are developing an extramural grant application, BERD provides a wide-range of support services towards the grant submission. These services include (but not limited to) help refining hypotheses, study design, creating the statistical analysis plan (including power/sample size calculations), and assisting with preliminary data analysis. For faculty members who hold K-equivalent career development awards (e.g., KL2, K08, K25), BERD supports these services as well as provides statistical analysis and data management services. Vouchers are available to eligible faculty investigators for these services (see details below).
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It is strongly recommended that investigators work with BERD from the inception of a research idea. BERD can identify new ways to ask or answer a question that makes the research more cost-effective, identify and fix flaws, or suggest approaches that overcome typical criticisms of research in the area. Getting BERD involved up front will help you collect data that will result in the right answer to your research question.
PROGRAM SUCCESSES
BERD has provided over 648 FREE 1-hour consultations, with an average of 15 consultations/month.​​​​
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BERD has awarded over 113 vouchers; including the support of 19 K awardees. On average about 3 vouchers are awarded in each month, and the success rate of winning an award is over 80%.
Since 2016, 18 grants awarded for $22 million.​​​​​​​​