Biostatistics
The BSR helps researchers apply state-of-the-art statistical methodologies to their data analysis. Our services support basic science, translational, clinical and population research efforts. Our mission is to help transform cancer prevention and treatment strategies throughout our community.
We offer statistical expertise in:
- Biomarker research
- Clinical trials
- Longitudinal studies
- Missing data
- Survival analysis
The BSR’s expert faculty include a master’s-level statistician and three members funded by the cancer center’s NCI support grant. We help investigators through every step of their project — from design and analysis planning through writing and review.
Biostatistics play a vital role in clinical research. In fact, the cancer center requires every project undergoing scientific review to include a named biostatistician. If your project needs a biostatistician, we will match you with the appropriate member of our team.
Office Hours
In collaboration with the UC Davis Clinical and Translational Science Center, the BSR maintains virtual office hours for statistical consultations. We invite you to consult with a statistician about the design, analysis or presentation of your medical research study in a friendly, informal setting.
Statisticians: Machelle Wilson, Ph.D., and Lihong Qi, Hong Li, Yueju Li, and Shuai Chen
Services
Grant writing support is available from all Shared Resources, including support letters, recommendation, statistical analysis, etc. We offer the following biostatistical services to support your cancer research:
Grant Planning and Collaboration
Our biostatisticians offer their expertise on grant proposals free of charge. We work with investigators and project teams to:
- Ensure specific aims, study design and statistical analysis plans align with the study objectives
- Prepare proposal sections related to biostatistics
- Provide input on an appropriate statistical services budget
Statistical Methodology and Analysis
The BSR provides support for clinical trials, omics data, population studies and translational research. Our state-of-the-art capabilities include:
- Causal inference
- Cost-effectiveness analysis
- Health disparities
- Modeling and evaluating biomarkers
- Power calculations
- Risk prediction modeling
- RNA-seq data analysis for genetic association studies
Study Design and Clinical Trial Protocols
Our faculty can assist with study design, including sample size calculations, appropriate comparisons and analysis plans. We also offer clinical trial statistical assistance and review.
Training and Education
Learn how to apply biostatistics to your research by participating in our courses, office hours, seminars and workshops. The BSR offers virtual weekly office hours in collaboration with the Clinical and Translational Science Center.
Helpful Links and Resources
Biostatistics Resources
Access guidelines for data preparation, statistical analysis software, tools for conducting power and sample size calculations and educational resources.
Data Loofah Data Assessment Tool
This investigative tool assesses the quality of data and checks for errors prior to statistical analysis.
SWOG Cancer Research Network
The Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) maintains one of the largest NCI-supported cancer clinical trials cooperative groups.
NOTICE TO ALL NIH-FUNDED INVESTIGATORS
CCSG Acknowledgement: research reported in this publication was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award number P30CA093373. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
BSR Acknowledgement: the authors wish to acknowledge the support of the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center Biostatistics Shared Resource, supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award number P30CA093373. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
This resource is funded by the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) awarded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI P30CA093373). Publications that have utilized facility resources, services or scientific data generated by the resource should acknowledge the resource or the assistance provided by resource staff and cite the NCI CCSG. An electronic copy of the publication should also be sent to the resource directors.