Challenges and Experiences of Statistical Consulting Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Activity Number: 254 - Section on Statistical Consulting P.M. Roundtable Discussion (Added Fee)
• Type: Roundtables
• Date/Time: Wednesday, August 11, 2021 : 12:00 PM to 1:20 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistical Consulting
• Author(s): Shing Lee*
• Companies: Columbia University
• Keywords: COVID-19 response; Statistical Consulting Centers; BERD Resource; COVID-19 challenges

Abstract

Many academic statistical consulting centers have been overwhelmed during the pandemic to help with COVID-19 related research. At many centers, the workload more than doubled. Given the large amount of work and the wide range of expertise needed, statistical consulting centers have had to be innovative and creative on implementing ways to restructure their workflow and create new infrastructure to meet the demand for statisticians. We are proposing a roundtable to discuss how individual centers have addressed these challenges. Learning from each other’s experiences would be beneficial to help centers have a wider range of options and solutions and share potential resources that can be used by other centers. This may also lead to potential collaborations across institutions. Our shared experiences will help statistical consulting centers and consultants across the US be better prepared for the future.