The Biostatistics Facility Core provides statistical support for planned and ongoing research projects by Center investigators, including projects related to Center Initiatives. Specifically, Core members:

• Assist in the review of research protocols from Center investigators who are requesting research grants or extramural support. In this capacity, members of the Core assist in the development of study design, carry out sample size (power) calculations, review proposed statistical methods, and may participate in presentations at site visits.
• Provide bioinformatics support to Center investigators. Core personnel advise Center members on available technologies and bioinformatic resources, and advise on software tools for management and mining of data from gene expression, SNP, proteomics, methylation and other large-scale technologies.
• Provide an interface between center investigators and statistical resources. The Core matches statisticians to investigators so that, to the maximum extent possible, Center projects benefit from statisticians with particular expertise in the areas under investigation.
• Stimulate collaboration between statisticians and other investigators by providing a focal point for statisticians to discuss issues with investigators from all the Research Cores. In particular, the Core provides a natural link between the Study Design and Statistical Methodology Research Core and the other Research Cores.
• Provide computer support for Center research projects. The Core maintains a multi processor computer that is accessible directly or through the campus network to Center investigators. This machine is a central resource for software, so that investigators have access to a wide variety of up to date packages. This machine also provides a central repository for databases, which facilitates the sharing of databases among investigators.

The Biostatistics Facility Core also provides educational support in the application of statistics to environmental health problems, and in the interpretation of results from the analysis of data. To this end, Core members:

• Increase understanding of statistical issues among Center investigators through consultations and seminars.
• Provide statistical input to discussions, workshops, and seminar series related to Center Initiatives.
• Provide training in the use of Internet databases and bioinformatics software, and provide guidance on available methods for the analysis of large-scale genetic data.
• Enhance graduate programs in biostatistics and epidemiology by linking graduate students to research problems in environmental health.
• Work with our Community Outreach and Education Program to communicate study results in a clear and accessible manner to community groups, media sources, and government agencies.