Biostatistics

Biostatistics is a vital component of almost every research project conducted at Telethon Kids. It is the application of statistical methodology within the areas of medical, biological, and social sciences.

The familiar and visible aspect of biostatistics is the analysis of study data. This process typically involves identifying the appropriate analysis (often modelling) technique and applying it to study data to address specific research questions or test formal hypotheses.

With the ever increasing amount and complexity of collected health data, the role of biostatisticians in research, particularly from the design stage, has never been more important.

Researchers from, and collaborating with, the Telethon Kids Institute have access to support from the Centre for Biostatistics, which comprises the Academic Biostatistics Team and members of the Biometrics team, who have experience in most health research areas, with expertise around:

• epidemiological studies,
• clinical research,
• clinical trials,
• laboratory studies, and
• genetics studies.

In addition, all the biostatisticians in the Team carry out in-depth applied research, mainly in collaboration with other research groups, in several specific methodology areas, such as analysis of linked data, twin and family based studies, problems with missing and incomplete data in longitudinal studies, and infectious disease modelling.

The Team also looks to make resources available to improve the implementation and efficiency of biostatistical analysis across the institute.