Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design

BERD Overview

The Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) core is here to assist ICTS investigators and scholars with many tasks:

Design clinical/translational research

Analyze data

Plan & Coordinate multi-center studies

Prepare protocols

Design REDCap and other data management systems

Create electronic case report forms (eCRFs)

Review projects with CRTC scholars and their mentors

Teach analytic techniques

Promote research reproducibility

Develop new study instruments and analytic approaches

Triage requests to other methodological/quantitative ICTS experts

Successful consultations often evolve into collaborative relationships where BERD members are an integral part of the research team.

What to Expect

Reply to Service Request: Once a request for service is submitted, please allow for up to three business days for a reply. Appointments are typically scheduled within a week, but during periods of high demand, it may take longer to get an appointment.

Initial Consultations: Initial consultations are intended to enable the BERD to assess your needs and to provide a basic level of consultation to facilitate more extensive ongoing support, if necessary.

Turnaround and Timelines: While the BERD always strives to accommodate deadlines, it generally takes weeks to months to conduct most analyses or to provide thorough grant preparation assistance. As the deadline approaches, our ability to provide substantial support diminishes. Please contact us early!

To receive the most comprehensive assistance that can be provided, please contact the BERD as soon as possible. Some general recommendations include:

Type of Assistance	Month(s) Prior to Deadline
PO1, SPORE, SCOR grants	At least 3-6 months*
Most grants (RO1, K awards)	At least 2 months, ideally 3 months*
Smaller statistical sections for grants	At least 1 month
Most analyses	At least 2 months**
Simple summary statistics	At least 1 month
Manuscripts	At least 2-4 months**
Abstracts	At least 1 month

* Ideally we hope you will contact us several months prior to your grant deadline. If it is a first submission and we do not have adequate time, our contribution will demonstrate statistical involvement but could be incomplete. If it is a re-submission, we need adequate time to improve your score. ** Contingent upon data quality, format, amount, complexity, as well as the number and maturity of the study questions addressed.

Work Expectations: As BERD staff varies in background, if your study requires particular skills, we will try to find an appropriate person to fulfill that need. Thus, initial consultations are intended to enable the BERD to assess your needs and to provide a basic level of consultation to facilitate more extensive ongoing support.

Please communicate any deadlines as far in advance as possible.