Biostatistics
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Unit Head
Professor Julie Simpson8344 0732
Research Overview
In the modern world of 'Big Data', researchers in population health and clinical medicine need to make sense of large amounts of data from a wide range of sources. Biostatistics is the discipline that underpins the use of statistical methods in the collection, preparation and analysis of data for research studies. It provides an essential foundation for much health research.
In the Biostatistics Unit, we have developed an integrated program of methodological and collaborative research, as well as providing statistical training to build a skilled research workforce. Our group delivers the Master of Biostatistics(with the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia, BCA), as well as leading biostatistics teaching within the Master of Public Health and Master of Science (Epidemiology).
Staff
Professor Julie Simpson (unit head)
Associate Professor Lyle Gurrin
Dr Audrey Poterie
Collaborators
We collaborate on numerous clinical and epidemiological studies, in particular, studies with complex longitudinal or spatial data structures. We lead research in the development, application and interpretation of sophisticated statistical methods, including modelling of longitudinal and correlated data from cohort studies and twin/family studies, and methods for handling missing or incomplete data within such studies.
Since 2012, our unit has co-led — along with units at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and Monash University — the Victorian Centre for Biostatistics (ViCBiostat), a Centre of Research Excellence in Biostatistics funded by the NHMRC.