SUPPORT

The Statistics and Data Analysis Unit of the HRB CRF-C supports local, patient-focused researchers in the areas of study design and data analysis. We operate under a collaborative model of support and work closely with investigators. Most of our collaborations can be classified as follows:

Collaboration on new projects – Our primary means of working with investigators is on projects where SDAU staff will have a substantial influence on the design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of the research. This typically requires our involvement prior to the submission of funding applications. We 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 our input will be appropriately funded should the application be successful. Please note that we require at least three weeks’ notice to support funding applications.

Support for existing projects – If you need our support to analyse existing data for a study that is already underway, please contact us using the details below. We will then provide an estimate of the costs. These are typically on the order of €2500 for a week of full time work.

CONDITIONS

Funding - All SDAU activity must be appropriately funded. The only exception is for time spent contributing to funding applications.

Open Science - We 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.

Methodological research - In addition to supporting patient-focused researchers, we also aim to conduct important methodological research. Thus, for most collaborations, we will request access to study data for these purposes.

Research Students - We do not support research that is solely intended to be included in a research dissertation.

CONTACT

To discuss how we might work together, please email Dr Darren Dahly at ddahly@ucc.ie. After an initial conversation, we will develop and formalize the aims and anticipated outcomes for the collaboration, establish a timeline, and arrange for secure data transfer as needed.

Please see the HRB CRF-C website for other areas of support.