Grant Collaboration

Bring statistical expertise into the proposal from the beginning

A strong quantitative plan is an integral part of a strong research proposal.

Biostatisticians contribute more than a sample-size calculation. Early collaboration allows the scientific aims, study design, endpoints, data collection, statistical methods, and analytic strategy to develop together.

When should I contact you?

We recommend contacting us at least 60 days before your internal submission deadline whenever possible.

You do not need to wait until the proposal is fully written. In fact, we would rather be involved while the aims and study design are still being developed.

How We Can Help With Your Application

• Refining research questions and hypotheses
• Study design
• Primary and secondary endpoint selection
• Sample-size and power calculations
• Statistical methods
• Statistical analysis plans
• Consideration of preliminary data
• Data-management and data-quality planning
• Drafting or reviewing quantitative sections
• Responding to reviewer comments
• Determining an appropriate level of biostatistical effort
• Developing the statistical portion of the budget
  

Plan Beyond the Application

Statistical collaboration should not end when the grant is submitted.

Funded projects may require statistical involvement throughout the project lifecycle, including:

• Study and project meetings
• Database and data-collection consultation
• Randomization
• Monitoring data quality and enrollment
• Troubleshooting issues that arise during data collection
• Interim analyses
• Responses to funder requests
• Statistical reporting
• Abstracts and presentations
• Final analyses
• Manuscripts
  

We will work with you during proposal development to determine a realistic level of statistical support for the proposed research.

Budgeting for Biostatistical Support

The appropriate level of biostatistical effort depends on the size and complexity of the study, the data being collected, the proposed analyses, and the role of the biostatistician throughout the project.

Please involve us in developing the statistical budget.

Under-budgeting quantitative support can limit the amount of collaboration available after an award and make it difficult to provide the level of support described in the application.