Statistical and Epidemiological Support Information
The members of the Epidemiology Program have extensive experience in statistics and epidemiology, which covers all stages of the research process including protocol/proposal development, study design, data collection, data analysis, result evaluation and reporting. The program has worked closely with basic science researchers, clinical researchers, and behavior science researchers, and handled data from various fields. While the Epidemiology Program staff have expertise in many epidemiological and statistical aspects, we are developing the capability in processing and analyzing high-dimensional data from genomic and proteomic research.
Support and Services We Currently Provide
Protocol/proposal development: Study design and statistical analysis are important components for studies. The Epidemiology Program collaborates in the preparation of proposals/protocols for extramural or intramural funding. The work for the preparation of proposals/protocols includes scrutiny of study design in terms of study objectives, estimation of sample size and study power, review of data collection and management procedures, and plans for statistical analysis. We also help in analyzing preliminary data for proposals. A request for funding of the biostatistical/epidemiological support through grant mechanisms is expected for a proposal to be submitted for funding.
Statistical analysis: The Epidemiology Program provides consultation and collaboration in statistical analysis. The support we currently provide lies primarily in measures of central tendency; measures of dispersion and variability; statistical comparison of two or more groups with qualitative, semi-quantitative, or quantitative data; regression analysis; analysis of survival data or data with repeated measurements; analysis for controlling confounders and estimating interactions; and handling of missing data or outliers. Data can come from different fields such as animal studies, biochemical studies, molecular/genetic studies, clinical studies, clinical trials, epidemiological studies, health service research, and so on. Data analysis may need substantial efforts, which can qualify related Epidemiology Program staff for co-authorship.
Survey instrument development: The Epidemiology Program also provides consultation and comments in the development of questionnaire for research. We help choose the items to be covered, types of question, question content, question wording, question format, question order, and questionnaire structure.
Result evaluation and reporting: When research results are obtained, it is important to explain and present the results relevantly. The Epidemiology Program assists in evaluating research results statistically and epidemiologically. We also advise on how the results are reported and presented. Where meaningful intellectual contribution has been provided, related Epidemiology Program personnel may be offered co-authorship on consequent publications and presentations.
Researchers We Support
The Epidemiology Program provides consulting and service to the members of United States Military Cancer Institute for their needs in statistics and epidemiology. All members in all cancer research fields are eligible for support. While time permits, the Epidemiology program also provides assistance to military cancer researchers who are currently not USMCI members.
Priority of Support
While the Epidemiology Program conducts its own research with its limited manpower, it does its best to help eligible researchers who request support. Support work will be arranged according to our capacity. USMCI members have priority over other military cancer researchers. Within USMCI members or non-USMCI members, proposals for a grant with a deadline will be the priority, followed by funded projects, non-funded projects, and protocols not for funding. Under certain justified conditions, however, a grant proposal with a deadline or a funded project with a timeline from a non-USMCI member may be prioritized over a non-funded project or a protocol not for funding from a USMCI member.
Application for Support
To request support, an application form must be completed. This form will help us determine whether the request is within the scope of support and beyond our capacity. It will also provide us with some information so that we can serve you better.
Applicants for support are responsible for complying with Federal laws, regulations, policies, or guidelines in ethnics, confidentiality and security, as well as those specifically developed by the Department of Defense. A research project that needs support must have applicable approval(s) by the institute of the applicant and other related institutes.
Cost Recovery for Services
Cost recovery will be determined by discussion with program staff.
Information to Bring to the First Consultative Meeting
When you come to the first meeting for statistical or epidemiological consulting and services, it is important for you to bring some information about your research. This will facilitate effective communication and better service. The information includes:
- Your study hypotheses;
- Description of your study population (for research involving human subjects);
- Your proposal, protocol, or any documents on your research topic;
- A disk or CD containing your data if statistical analysis is requested.
Contact Information
Please submit your application or address your questions to Kangmin Zhu, MD, PhD, Associate Director for Epidemiology (the email address: kangmin.zhu@na.amedd.army.mil and the telephone number 202-782-0544).
