All Times EDT
The development of new drugs has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Advances in technology enable scientists to generate 'big data' faster than ever before. The availability of complex, high-volume data in turn creates demand for innovative quantitative solutions and tools in a rapidly evolving drug development landscape. As scientists generate more data and new methods become available, increased engagement and collaboration across quantitative science disciplines is critical. At the same time, we need to remember that statistical scientists bring a unique and important perspective to collaborative research.
In this presentation, we argue that the practice of statistics consists of a complex combination of skills that go far beyond the technical abilities of any one individual. We provide examples of attitudes that stand in the way of effective collaboration in clinical research teams. In contrast, we outline four general steps to foster 'Statistical Thinking' by asking inquisitive questions to better understand the research question and study design, and identifying patterns in the data before developing the analysis plan. We point to examples of successful interdisciplinary collaborations that can define the blueprint for the future.