Frequently Asked Questions

When should I involve a biostatistician?

As early as possible. Biostatisticians can contribute most when important decisions about the research question, study design, outcomes, data collection, and analysis are still being made. You do not need to wait until you have collected data - or even until you have a finished protocol - to contact us. For grants, we recommend contacting us at least 60 days before your internal submission deadline whenever possible.

I don't know what statistical test I need. Can I still submit a request?

Absolutely. Determining the appropriate statistical approach is part of our role. Come to us with your scientific question and whatever information you currently have about the study or data. We'll work with you to determine the appropriate approach.

Can you help before I collect data?

Yes - and that is often the best time to involve us. We can assist with research questions and hypotheses, study design, endpoint selection, sample-size and power calculations, data-collection planning, and statistical analysis plans before data collection begins.

Can you calculate my sample size?

Yes, but sample-size planning requires more than selecting a desired number of participants. We'll typically discuss the primary outcome, meaningful effect size, available preliminary data or literature, variability, study design, anticipated attrition where applicable, practical enrollment constraints, and other factors needed to develop a defensible calculation.

Can you analyze data I've already collected?

Yes. Submit a project request and provide information about the scientific question, study design, dataset, desired deliverable, and any relevant deadlines. We strongly encourage providing a clean dataset and data dictionary before analysis begins.

How much will my project cost?

Project cost depends on the scope and complexity of the work and the type of collaboration required. For project-based work, we'll meet with you to understand your needs and develop a Scope of Work describing the planned work, deliverables, responsibilities, timeline, and project cost. Cancer Center members receive subsidized support, and other support arrangements may apply.

How long will my project take?

Timelines depend on project complexity, current team availability, data readiness, and the requested deliverables. Contact us as early as possible and let us know about fixed deadlines when submitting your request. We'll discuss timing and feasibility during project planning.

What should my dataset look like?

Datasets should be clean, complete, consistently coded, and accompanied by a data dictionary. Avoid unnecessary PHI, inconsistent category labels, multiple pieces of information in a single field, and formatting that conveys information only through colors or highlighting. See Preparing Your Data for Analysis.

Can I send you PHI?

Do not send PHI through unapproved methods. Remove PHI that is unnecessary for the analysis. If identifiable information is required, your biostatistician will work with you to identify an appropriate secure method for data transfer.

Will my biostatistician be a co-author?

Authorship depends on the nature and extent of the contribution and should follow accepted authorship criteria. When a biostatistician makes contributions that meet authorship criteria, authorship should be discussed as part of the collaboration.

What's the difference between Biostatistics and Bioinformatics?

Biostatistics generally focuses on study design and the statistical analysis and interpretation of biomedical, clinical, and population-level data. Bioinformatics generally focuses on computational analysis of high-dimensional biological data such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and other molecular data. There is overlap between these areas. You do not need to determine which one you need before requesting help. If another quantitative resource is a better fit for your project, we can help connect you with the appropriate expertise.