The Division of Medical Informatics offers comprehensive biostatistical support for research projects — from initial study design to final dissemination of results. Our team includes both faculty and staff statisticians and analysts who assist with:

• Study design
• Power and sample size calculations
• Data visualization
• Data analysis
• Interpretation and dissemination of findings

We encourage researchers to involve a statistician early in the project lifecycle to ensure robust design and meaningful results.

Short Term Consulting

We offer limited support to Department of Internal Medicine faculty for small, unfunded projects, using time available after funded work is completed. Short-term consulting may include:

• Pilot studies
• Secondary data analysis
• Analysis of data from completed recruitment
• Data visualization development

Note: While we recognize that timelines and resources vary, it is best practice to include a statistician from the beginning of a project. Early involvement helps optimize study design and variable selection and avoids challenges that may arise when statistical input is added late.

If you would like to request support from a biostatistician on a small project, please fill out this form:

Request Short-Term Collaboration

Grant Proposals

When writing a grant proposal, an important step is conducting a power calculation to determine the minimum sample size necessary for your study. This power calculation can also inform:

• Budget itemization
• Study personnel determination

A biostatistician can conduct a sample size estimation to help ensure your study is well-powered, increasing the likelihood of detecting meaningful effects — though it’s important to note that even well-powered studies may yield null results.

Importantly, biostatisticians require support for their work. Please refer to the guidelines created by a team of experienced collaborative biostatisticians across the country for what %FTE is reasonable depending on the scope of the grant¹.

If you would like to work with a biostatistician on a grant proposal, please fill out this form.

Request Grant Proposal support

Ethical Guidelines

We follow the Ethical Guidelines for Statistical Practice as outlined by the American Statistical Association.

1. Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University – Biostatistics Collaboration Center. Biostatistics Effort Allocation Guidelines