Services

The Biostatistics Core, which is part of the Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, provides comprehensive biostatistics and data science consulting and analysis services to investigators for all stages of the research process. This ranges from study conception and protocol development through analysis, dissemination and translation of findings into practice. The core is composed of data science analysts, biostatisticians and statistical programmers who collaborate closely with doctoral-level faculty statisticians and bioinformaticians to support rigorous, reproducible and high-impact research initiatives. Phillip J. Schulte, Ph.D., a senior faculty member in the division, leads the core.

Division biostatisticians are involved in study design, protocol development, statistical analysis planning, and the development and application of statistical methodologies. They collaborate with investigators throughout the lifecycle of a project, including study implementation, analysis, interpretation of findings, manuscript development and dissemination activities. They work independently or in consultation with doctoral-level statisticians, depending on level of experience.

Statistical programmers primarily support data extraction, cleaning, integration and management, as well as reproducible analytic workflows and the programming and documentation of statistical analyses using platforms such as SAS, R and Python. Although biostatisticians and statistical programmers have distinct areas of expertise, they function within an integrated team-science environment and work collaboratively with each other and with doctoral-level faculty statisticians across the division. Data science analysts complement this work by applying advanced analytics, computational methods, predictive modeling and machine learning techniques to identify patterns, extract insight from complex datasets, and support data-driven clinical, operational and research decision-making.

The Biostatistics Core supports a broad range of project types, including genetic and genomic analyses, clinical trials, predictive modeling, translational research, outcomes research, operational analytics and observational clinical studies. The core also develops and refines statistical methodologies, analytic tools and software resources, including more than 250 specialized SAS macros and R programs that have been used by groups both internal and external to Mayo Clinic.

Early engagement is strongly encouraged to support study rigor, efficient study execution and development of scientifically sound analytic strategies. For more information about the types of projects and services supported, contact the core.