Study Design, Data, and Statistical Support

Contact: Dr. Darren Dahly

Principal Statistician

The Statistics, Data & Analysis Unit (SDAU) at the HRB CRF-UCC welcomes questions on study design, data analysis, and statistical methods from the patient-focused research community in and around Cork.

The SDAU works primarily with investigators on projects where SDAU staff will have a substantial influence on the design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of the research. This typically requires involvement prior to the submission of funding applications. The staff of the SDAU are happy to help write funding applications as co-investigators or collaborators (depending on the degree of required support) at no cost, with the expectation that their input will be appropriately funded should the application be successful.Please note that the Statistics, Data & Analysis Unit (SDAU) require at least three weeks’ notice to support funding applications.

Open Science – The Statistics, Data & Analysis Unit value research integrity, and support open science practices aimed at improving the transparency and replicability of research. Consequently, all SDAU work will be conducted under our quality system, which includes sharing all analysis code and pre-registration of analysis plans. Further, we encourage the use of pre-prints and responsible data sharing.

Publication – Most projects we collaborate on will result in one or more scientific publications. Prior to any substantial engagement by SDAU staff, there must be a publication plan in place, with drafted titles, target journals, and anticipated authorship lists. There must also be a written confirmation by the project’s primary investigator to commit to publication, regardless of the results obtained. As authors, we always retain the right to approve any and all submissions, and to refuse publication if there are unresolved problems with the manuscript or the target journal.

Please contact Dr Darren Dahly (Principal Statistician)