Home Podcasts The Effective Statistician - in association with PSI
The Effective Statistician - in association with PSI

The Effective Statistician - in association with PSI

Alexander Schacht and Benjamin Piske, biometricians, statisticians and leaders in the pharma industry 477 Episodes Aug 11, 2026

This podcast, produced in association with PSI (Promoting Statistical Insight), is designed for statisticians to enhance their impact at work. It focuses on leadership skills, scientific community discussions, knowledge of the health sector, and work efficiency. Aimed at statisticians at all levels, it also touches on topics relevant to the broader data science community.

Episodes

How the R Consortium Is Transforming Regulatory Submissions and AI in Clinical Trials
How the R Consortium Is Transforming Regulatory Submissions and AI in Clinical Trials Aug 11, 2026 1105 In this episode, I talk with Ning Leng, Ph.D., Director II, Data and AI Acceleration Group, Data & Statistical Sciences at AbbVie, about the growing role of the R Consortium in the pharmaceutical industry. Ning brings extensive experience in statistics, computational genomics, open-source technology, and the adoption of R across the pharmaceutical industry. Before joining AbbVie, she spent 10 yea
Project Optimus and what you need to know about it
Project Optimus and what you need to know about it Jul 21, 2026 1501 Cancer treatments have changed dramatically over the past decade, but have our dose-finding strategies kept pace? In this episode, I speak with Dr. Ayon Mukherjee, who leads statistical innovation in early oncology development at Eli Lilly. Together, we explore Project Optimus, the FDA initiative that is changing how we think about dose optimization in oncology. Instead of simply finding the hig
Unlocking Growth: The Power of Coaching and Mentoring for Statisticians
Unlocking Growth: The Power of Coaching and Mentoring for Statisticians Jun 30, 2026 2140 In this insightful interview, Emma May and Alun Bedding explore the nuances of coaching and mentoring, sharing personal stories, frameworks, and practical tips to enhance professional growth. Discover how these powerful tools can transform statisticians' careers and foster leadership development.
Understanding and Mitigating Endpoint Bias in External Control Arms
Understanding and Mitigating Endpoint Bias in External Control Arms Jun 9, 2026 1721 External control arms are becoming increasingly important in drug development, but creating valid comparisons requires more than matching patient populations. In this episode, I speak with Ben Ackerman, Director of Real-World Biostatistics at GSK, about one of the most overlooked challenges in external control arm studies: endpoint bias. We discuss why differences in how outcomes are measured can
The Future of Statistical Methodology in Drug Development
The Future of Statistical Methodology in Drug Development Jun 2, 2026 1912 This episode features three leading statistical methodology experts discussing the role, impact, and future of methodology groups in the pharmaceutical industry. They explore organizational structures, skill sets, AI integration, and strategies to accelerate adoption of innovative methods.
Rethinking Programming Validation and Traceability in Clinical Trials
Rethinking Programming Validation and Traceability in Clinical Trials May 26, 2026 1404 In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I speak with Andrew (Andy) York about the evolving world of programming validation, traceability, and quality assurance in clinical trials. Andy has decades of experience in statistical programming, leadership roles across pharma and CROs, and now works with AI-driven solutions focused on improving validation and traceability.
How Applied Improvisation Develops and Reinforces Interpersonal Skills
How Applied Improvisation Develops and Reinforces Interpersonal Skills May 4, 2026 1996 In this episode, Alun Bedding speaks with Richard Zink about how **applied improvisation** can help statisticians become more effective communicators and leaders. They explore how improv techniques—like “yes, and,” active listening, and embracing mistakes—build confidence, strengthen collaboration, and improve the way we explain complex ideas. This conversation shows that developing interpersonal
What does a clinical lead expect from a statistician?
What does a clinical lead expect from a statistician? Apr 27, 2026 1932 Episode Overview In this episode, I speak with Anna Mosikian, a physician by training and Global Clinical Program Lead working at the intersection of clinical development and strategic marketing. Anna brings a powerful perspective on how clinical data translates into real-world value—bridging evidence generation, regulatory expectations, and commercial impact. We dive into what clinical leaders
Measuring Trust – A Key to Effective Leadership
Measuring Trust – A Key to Effective Leadership Apr 21, 2026 1671 Trust is one of the most fundamental elements of effective leadership—and yet, most organizations don’t measure it properly. In this episode, I speak again with my good friend Alun Bedding about how we can move from talking about trust to actually quantifying and improving it. We explore why trust is essential for collaboration, leadership, and performance, and what happens when it’s missing. We
Choosing and Interpreting PROs and COAs – A Guide for Clinical Trial Statisticians
Choosing and Interpreting PROs and COAs – A Guide for Clinical Trial Statisticians Apr 17, 2026 2486 In this episode, I sit down with Rachael Lawrance to dive into a topic that has become absolutely central to clinical research: patient-centered outcomes. When I first started as a statistician, I knew these measures existed—but I didn’t really understand how they were developed, analyzed, or used in decision-making. That has changed dramatically over the years. Today, patient-reported outcomes (
How Statisticians Can Build Trust and Lead with Emotional Intelligence
How Statisticians Can Build Trust and Lead with Emotional Intelligence Mar 23, 2026 2355 In this episode of The Effective Statistician, Alun Bedding speaks with Emma May about the skills that truly differentiate effective statisticians from great leaders. While technical expertise remains essential, success in today’s environment increasingly depends on the ability to build trust, communicate effectively, and lead with emotional intelligence. Drawing from their joint leadership works
The Evolving Role of Generative AI in Pharma
The Evolving Role of Generative AI in Pharma Jan 20, 2026 1988 Generative AI is moving fast—and in pharma, it’s no longer just a buzzword. In this episode of The Effective Statistician Podcast, I speak with Manuel Cossio about how Generative AI is already being applied in real-world pharma settings, where it’s delivering value today, and what still needs careful consideration in regulated environments. Manuel brings a unique hybrid background, combining mole

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