Laboratory studies

Experimental laboratory studies are vital to the translational research pathway. Many scientists have limited access to statistical support, and the partnership required between statisticians and scientists to undertake high quality research is often lacking.

As a group we want to build communication between scientists and statisticians. We worked with laboratory scientists to produce the RIPOSTE framework, which aims to facilitate discussion between the two disciplines at the design of a study. We are planning to produce further publications which focus on specific methodological areas, such as this one on unit of analysis issues.

The group organises meetings and webinars, as well as breakout sessions at the annual conference. Previous topics have included:

• Handling censored values in analysis
• Biomarker development
• Variation and repeatability of test results, and
• Improving the design and analysis of studies using qPCR

The term ‘laboratory studies’ is imprecise and covers a disparate range of studies. We aim to refine what we mean by the term ‘laboratory studies’.

The laboratory studies working group has its own JISCMAIL mailing list.

If you would like to join a working group committee or wish to find out more, please email the NIHR Statistics Group.