Oncology Research and Methods Training Project

Overview

Creation of a cohort of biostatisticians trained to work with the increasing volume of genetic and imaging biomarker data in clinical trials.

The aim of the Oncology Research and Methods Training Project, led by Dr. Richard Cook, Canada Research Chair, Department of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, University of Waterloo is to stimulate interdisciplinary collaborative research and training involving the oncology and biostatistics research communities. There is a critical need for highly skilled biostatisticians to work with the increasingly high volume and density of serological, tumour and genetic biomarker data to advance our understanding of disease risk and disease course, to guide treatment decisions and to assess response to treatment. The massive amounts of data that are now routinely collected means quantitative methods aimed at detecting important signals are in greater demand than ever. Close collaborations between biostatistical, laboratory, clinical and population health scientists are vital to meet these goals in a timely fashion and this research and training program will create and foster this close engagement.

The Oncology Research and Methods Training Program will create a cohort of 19 interns (11 M.Sc., 8 PhD) that will be trained with an enhanced breadth, relevance and rigour in biostatistical methods useful for the conduct of high impact research in oncology. Students will be trained to work with the increasing volume of genetic and imaging biomarker data. Moreover, the project will foster collaborations between biostatisticians and cancer researchers.
Additional information for prospective research collaborators and interns can be found at www.ormtp.ca