The Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry is a valuable resource for researchers seeking to enhance the quality and efficiency of their studies so that they are well-designed, data-driven, and powerful.
How to Get Started
The division strongly encourages researchers to initiate contact as early as possible, ideally before any data is collected for all kinds of projects—pilot studies, student research projects, clinical research, or projects for grants. This proactive approach allows statisticians to contribute to the study design, ensuring that the data gathered is relevant and sufficient to answer the research question and that the project remains on track.
To begin the collaboration process, researchers—including student researchers—can submit a Project Request Form through the division's online intake form: https://forms.office.com/r/AvQtjqe9x9. Alternatively, researchers may reach out directly to the division via email at dentistry-biostat@iowa.uiowa.edu or to specific members of the division for preliminary discussions or to address specific questions.
After completing the intake form or emailing the division, a member of the Biostats team will assign a member of the division to the research project based on the PI and statistician’s expertise, research preferences, and workload.
For major projects, such as NIH grants, early engagement with the Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology is particularly crucial. Larger, complex studies may require years of planning, and early collaboration can help optimize the study design and ensure adequate preparation for grant submission.
Ensuring Effective Collaboration
Initiate Contact Early: Engaging with the Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology before data collection is essential. Statisticians can provide guidance on setting up data collection instruments (e.g., Excel sheets or Qualtrics forms) in a format suitable for machine reading and statistical analysis, reducing the amount of time it takes to process research results.
Active PI Involvement: Principal Investigators (PIs) play a critical role in approving drafts and making final decisions about the analysis. Their involvement is essential to ensure that the analysis aligns with the study's objectives and the PI's research goals.
Avoid Common Pitfalls: Failing to consult the Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology early or collecting data in a non-machine-readable format can lead to significant delays and increased workload for both the division and for the PI. In the past, failure to bring the division into the research process early has resulted in a PI missing a key confounding variable or having a sample size insufficient to support the research conclusions. By addressing these potential issues before they arise, researchers avoid significant roadblocks later in the project.
The Value-Added
By collaborating with the division, researchers can:
Receive Comprehensive Support: From setting up data collection instruments to drafting and editing analysis plans or IRB plans, the division provides extensive support tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each PI and research team.
Access Expert Advice: The division is available to assist with even simple questions or early-stage inquiries. Researchers are encouraged to engage with the division as soon as they have a research idea to facilitate smoother and more effective projects.
Optimize Resource Allocation: The division helps ensure that data collected is neither underpowered nor excessive, preventing the unnecessary use of resources on non-clinically relevant data.
Reach out as soon as you have a project idea to leverage the full expertise and resources of the Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Doing so enhances the quality, efficiency, and impact of our research.