Supporting quantitative studies – how the UCL Biostatistics Group works with researchers

The Biostatistics Group is funded by the NIHR UCLH Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and is part of the BRC Core – the unit of central BRC functions which support all BRC themes. It is part of the BRC’s commitment to support high quality research and researchers form all professional groups.

What does the Biostatistics Group do?

Rumana: We are a group of biostatisticians who collaborate with health researchers on quantitative studies.

We contribute throughout the entire research process – from study design, conduct, data analysis to interpreting results. If someone is planning a quantitative research study, they need a statistician, and that’s where we can come in.

The interpretation aspect of what we do is particularly important. Statistics is more than just numbers and achieving ‘statistical significance’—it’s about extracting meaningful insights from data. It helps us understand what the evidence truly reveals about the research question, real-world implications, and underlying trends and relationships. A well-conducted analysis goes beyond p-values; it provides a deeper context that informs clinical decision-making and advances scientific understanding."

We work on a broad range of studies, including those supported by the Biomedical Research Centre at UCLH. We aren’t restricted to specific disease areas – we support trials and observational studies across different fields.

Julie: We also do methodological research – which means developing and improving the statistical methods we use in practice. For example, some study designs or their data aren’t straightforward, and require new or non-standard methods of data analysis and interpretation. If a study is complex, we might need to investigate new statistical techniques to ensure the analysis is robust and meaningful.

We offer training too, like the Practical Statistics in Medical Research course, which is always popular, to help researchers improve their statistical literacy – so we provide education as well as hands-on collaboration.

It’s never too early to contact the Biostatistics Group

Rumana: We are ideally involved right from the start of a study – at the conception stage – so we want researchers to get in touch with us right from the start. It is never too early.

If researchers approach us later, when they’re writing a grant or when they have already collected data, some critical design decisions may have already been made. We help ensure that the study is set up correctly from the start, so that the data collected is actually useful for answering the research question.

Julie: Yes, sometimes researchers come to us with a great idea, but the way they’ve designed the study won’t actually answer their question. A common mistake is not providing clear and detailed  definitions of the primary and secondary objectives early on. If these aren't properly described, it can affect everything from sample size calculations to statistical methods. Early conversations are really beneficial and can save research teams a lot of time and effort later.

Proud moments – studies that have made a difference to patients

Rumana: One of the projects I worked on developed a risk model for cardiomyopathy to predict sudden cardiac death. This model is now used in clinical guidelines to help decide whether a patient should get an ICD device (a small device which can treat people with dangerously abnormal heart rhythms) implanted. I’ve seen it used in hospitals – it’s quite rewarding to know that statistical research is directly helping patients!

Another success was a study that influenced ophthalmology practices. We shaped the UCL study that showed that a laser-based therapy could transform care for glaucoma.

Our colleague Gareth Ambler has also worked on research highlighting COVID-19 vaccine side effects, which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Our work isn’t just theoretical – it is having real-world applications.

Can you tell us a bit more about the methodological research you do?

Julie: Methodological research is about developing and improving statistical techniques to ensure we’re using the best possible methods. Sometimes, existing statistical approaches aren’t quite right for certain types of data.

Rumana: For example, I’ve worked on studies where standard methods didn’t handle missing data well. In these cases, we need to evaluate different methods of data analysis, or develop completely new ways of analysing data when some data is missing.

What would your message be to a researcher about to begin planning a study?

Rumana: Some researchers are intimidated by statistics and statisticians – so first of all, we are here to support you with statistics, and to help you conduct the best studies possible. And come to us as early as possible, so we can help make your research as efficient and impactful as we can.

Julie: Yes, and ideally, when you come to us in the first place, have a brief written summary of your objectives. Bullet points are fine – just something to help us get started. Think carefully about your objectives – what is your study really trying to answer? That will shape everything else.

Find out more

Visit the UCL Biostatistics website.

Find out more about the BRC Core.

Find out more about the Practical Statistics for Medical Research course (17-20 June 2025).