BUSPH Interdisciplinary Training Program for Biostatisticians
Project Number5T32GM140972-03
Contact PI/Project LeaderWHITE, LAURA FORSBERG Other PIs
Awardee OrganizationBOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS
Description
Abstract Text
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
With the fast advances in technology in the last decade enabling the rapid accumulation of large quantities of
data relevant to biomedical research, there is an urgent need to train the next generation of scientists with skills
to correctly analyze and interpret these data while working closely in collaborative environments with other
scientists. The Interdisciplinary Training Program for Biostatisticians provides critical training to build the next
generation of leaders in biostatistics, who will guide the design of data collection, analysis of data, and
interpretation and dissemination of the results. There is a need for biostatisticians who are not only strong
methodologists, but also excellent communicators who are comfortable working in multidisciplinary settings. This
training program provides strong training in interdisciplinary research, reproducibility methods, and the
responsible conduct or research while supporting students in their professional and career development.
Our training objectives are: A) to appoint four new and reappoint four current trainees with diverse backgrounds
per year to a program that integrates rigorous theoretical statistical training with research experience in
bioinformatics, genetics, observational studies and clinical trials, as well as additional training in biology and in
reproducible, responsible and ethical conduct of research; B) to achieve a > 90% graduation rate within 5-6 years
from the start of the PhD program among trainees; C) to maintain a program that produces biostatisticians trained
in both standard biostatistical methods and emerging methodologies in biomedical research but also with applied
research experience in an interdisciplinary working environment; D) to prepare biostatisticians who graduate
from the program for competitive careers in academia, industry, and government via a curriculum that includes
opportunities for a strong record of scientific publications, presentations at conferences, and experience in
interdisciplinary collaborations, and teaching. The program seeks to recruit a diverse group of trainees and to
provide a supportive environment where all trainees can thrive and succeed. This is done by creating a strong
community, providing multiple mentors, and seeking regular feedback from trainees to identify opportunities to
improve the program. Through mentored research rotations in multiple areas of biostatistical application,
trainees receive hands-on experience in working in multidisciplinary teams performing research. They also
receive formal training and mentorship in reproducible methods for conducting research and responsible conduct
of research. This provides trainees with a breadth of exposure that is critical to prepare them to be leaders in
biostatistics, a field that is highly collaborative and requires mastery of a wide range of areas of application and
statistical methodologies. Trainees receive thorough career and professional development training. Regular
feedback and evaluation of the program ensures that trainees are receiving excellent mentorship and that
mentors receive feedback and opportunities to receive additional training. Trainees are encouraged to develop
their own training plan and learn to become more autonomous throughout the program.
Public Health Relevance Statement
PROJECT NARRATIVE
Biostatistics plays a fundamental role in biomedical and public health research. This program trains predoctoral
Biostatistics students to become effective collaborators in a wide range of biomedical disciplines, with a strong
emphasis on research ethics and reproducible science. Trainees also receive enhanced career and professional
development training to prepare them to contribute to the improvement of public health.
No Sub Projects information available for 5T32GM140972-03
Publications
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Patents
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Outcomes
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Clinical Studies
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History
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