Biostatistics Consultation

This service is provided by Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD).

Overview

The Irving Institute encourages all researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) to take advantage of biostatistics consultations for research projects. Our biostatistics group provides short-term guidance on the following:

  • Sample size and power calculations
  • Hypothesis refinement
  • Study design
  • Manuscript preparation
  • Grant preparation
  • Data analyses

Consultations involve an initial meeting with a faculty member from the Department of Biostatistics, a master's level statistician, and possibly one or more biostatistics graduate students. After the meeting, the consultants spend limited additional time working to complete your request, which may include power, effect size, or sample size calculations; written advice on experimental designs; comments on the appropriateness of proposed analytic models; written advice on proper analytic models; statistical methods sections for manuscripts or limited analysis results. The consult will conclude with either a second face-to-face follow-up visit to discuss the write-up and/or results, or an email with a detailed explanation.

Starting in March 2020, we are also providing consultations for COVID-19 research. 

Eligibility

Biostatistics consultations are available to all faculty and officers of CUIMC. Priority is given to faculty and research scientists at CUIMC who do not have their own departmental or institutional resources for biostatistics. Students are not eligible for this service.

When to Request This Service

We encourage researchers to submit a request as early as possible and at least eight weeks before a grant is due, or at least four weeks before an analysis is needed.

Cost

  • Initial one-hour consultation and limited followup, including an additional meeting if needed, is free of charge.
  • If the consultant determines that your statistical needs exceed those provided by this service, you may be referred for longer-term assistance with appropriate financial support arranged through the Department of Biostatistics at the Mailman School of Public Health.

Cite it, Submit it, Share it!

If your research has benefited from one or more Irving Institute resources, please remember to:

  • Cite our CTSA grant, UL1 TR001873, in any relevant publications, abstracts, chapters, and/or posters.
  • Submit your publications to PubMed Central (PMC) for compliance with the NIH Public Access Policy.
  • Share your research updates with us by sending an email to: irving_institute@cumc.columbia.edu

Contact

Biostatistics Consultation
722 West 168th Street, 6th Floor
Allan Rosenfield Building, ARB-6
New York, NY 10032
United States