Biometrics

Biometrics is a newly formed platform that encompasses the expertise of both our Biostatistics and Data Services functions, with the aim of providing a comprehensive experience from data collection through to data analysis.

The insights gained from research findings ultimately stem from the providing context to the analysis of collected, as such, it is vital that all research study have a solid foundation for data collection and analysis that is aligned with the research question at hand.

Our Data Services team includes database analysts, programmers, and data managers who support a range of technologies for data collection, storage, and archival. These range from off the shelf data collection platforms like iApply and REDCap, to custom built solutions including implementations through Microsoft’s .NET framework and SQL databases.

Working together as a cohesive unit, Biometrics can provide researchers with advice and support to ensure their data are both structured and coded appropriately to facilitate the analysis required to answer their researcher questions.

Combining these functions reduces the burden on the researcher to achieve the outcomes they require and ensures best practice is adopted from project initiation through to project closure.

Biostatistics

Biostatistics is a vital component of almost every research project conducted at the Institute. Broadly speaking, biostatistics is the application of statistical methodology within the areas of medicine and health. The familiar and visible aspect of biostatistics is the analysis of study data. This process typically involves identifying the appropriate analysis (often modelling) technique and applying it to the study data to address a specific research question or test a formal hypothesis.

It is being increasingly recognised that biostatisticians can add significant value throughout the entire life cycle of a research project; in particular, their input into study design, sampling techniques and the formulation of the research question can be crucial to the success of a research project. Biostatisticians can also assist with the preparation of research findings for presentation, through generating graphics and ensuring research findings are communicated, and therefore interpreted, correctly.

We strongly encourage all researchers to engage with a biostatistician as early as possible in their work, particularly prior to the completion of the study design phase of their research project.

Researchers within, and collaborating with, the Telethon Kids Institute have access to support from the Institute's Centre for Biostatistics. The team that make up the Centre are experienced in most health research areas, with expertise pertaining to epidemiological studies, clinical research, clinical trials, laboratory studies and genetics studies. The Centre offers free consultations to all researchers and students, after which point the Centre operates under a cost recovery model.

The Centre utilises a range of different software, including the major statistical platforms R, SPSS, SAS and Stata.

The Centre for Biostatistics provides support including (but not limited to):

• Research advice (hypothesis formulation, study design, sample size calculations)
• Data manipulation (merging, restructuring and generation of new variables)
• Data analysis (descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, modelling)
• Result reporting (generation of graphics, manuscript writing)

The Centre is focused on implementing the principles of 'reproducible research', whereby all original data files remain unmodified and all statistical code is kept and documented ensuring all statistical results supporting research findings are repeatable and verifiable. Where possible, these are made publicly available.

Some research questions and data may present unique scenarios whereby no current statistical methodology can be applied to address the research question at hand. In this situation, the Centre is able to work with researchers to pursue the development of new statistical methodologies.