The Effective Statistician - in association with PSI
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
Five Lessons for a Meaningful Career in Statistics
What helps us build a fulfilling career in statistics beyond technical expertise?
In this episode, I speak with Godwin Yung, who leads the Statistical Methodology group at Roche–Genentech, about lessons from his first decade in the pharmaceutical industry. We explore three themes from his career reflections: finding purpose, listening to understand, and learning from mentors.
Godwin shares the p
Integrated Evidence Planning That Connects Drug Development to Patient Needs
How do we generate evidence that supports regulatory approval, patient access, and better care?
In this episode, I talk with Gorana Capkun from Merck Healthcare, where she leads the patient-focused and real-world evidence team. We explore how integrated evidence planning brings together clinical trials, real-world evidence, and patient perspectives across the product life cycle. Gorana explains w
How to Make Statistics Click with Schools Outreach and Interactive Data Visualization
How can we make statistics meaningful to someone who does not work with it every day? I talk with Steve Mallett about his work with the PSI Schools team and the lessons it offers for training colleagues in pharma. We explore how hands-on activities, interactive data visualization, and a clear understanding of the audience can help people connect statistical concepts to patients and speak about res
Will AI Replace Statisticians? The Future of Statistics in Pharma
Will artificial intelligence make statisticians obsolete—or make our expertise even more valuable?
In this episode, I speak with independent statistical consultant Chris Harbron about how AI could reshape the role of statisticians in the pharmaceutical industry. Our conversation builds on Chris’s paper, Will the Pharmaceutical Industry Need Statisticians in an AI World?
We explore what happens w
How to Build an Effective Patient-Reported Outcome Strategy for Clinical Trials
How can we build a patient-reported outcome strategy that captures the patient voice and strengthens clinical development?
In this episode of The Effective Statistician Podcast, I speak with Julia Poritz, Senior Research Consultant on Cytel’s Evidence, Value, and Access team, about developing and implementing an effective patient-reported outcome (PRO) strategy for clinical trials.
We discuss ho
How the R Consortium Is Transforming Regulatory Submissions and AI in Clinical Trials
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
Kicking Off 2026: Gratitude and What’s Ahead
As we start 2026, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has been part of The Effective Statistician podcast. This episode features my co-host, Alun Bedding, reflecting on the past year and sharing thanks on behalf of both of us.
From our listeners who tune in, share episodes, and engage with the content, to our guests who generously share their expertise and real
Why to present better and how as a statistician
In this episode, I talk with my long-time friend and frequent guest, Kaspar Rufibach, about a skill that quietly determines how much impact we really have: presenting and communicating our work.
We walk through how Kaspar prepares his talks (including why he starts months in advance), how he structures messages so stakeholders actually remember and act on them, and why overcrowded slides are ofte
External control arms - how to get to a good one
In this episode, I’m joined by Deepa Jahagirdar, Associate Research Principal at Cytel, to explore what it really takes to build a good external control arm (ECA). Deepa brings a fascinating background from social epidemiology, where causal questions often need to be answered without running randomized trials. That experience translates directly into today’s growing need for ECAs, especially when
Top 9: Non-parametric analyses - much more than just the Wilcoxon test!
Why this episode made our all-time Top 9: If you’ve ever thought “non-parametric = Wilcoxon/Mann-Whitney and that’s it,” this conversation will happily destroy that myth. Frank shows how rank-based methods unlock rigorous analyses for skewed data, outliers, ordinal endpoints, small samples, composites/estimands—and how to communicate effects without relying on means.
How to communicate results from adaptive studies simple, but still correct
Adaptive designs let us learn earlier, stop smarter, and protect patients—but they also make communication tricky. In this episode, Kaspar Rufibach and I dig into what “still correct” looks like when you try to explain results from group-sequential and other adaptive trials to regulators, clinicians, and scientific audiences. We unpack conditional vs. unconditional bias, median-unbiased estimation
Introduction to adaptive designs and ICH E20
In this episode, I’m joined once again by my friend and frequent guest, Kaspar Rufibach, to talk about a topic that’s been around for decades but is gaining fresh attention thanks to the new ICH E20 draft guideline—adaptive designs in confirmatory clinical trials.
Kaspar and I discuss why and when we should consider adapting a clinical trial, what kinds of adaptations are statistically valid and
Leadership, Influence & Presenting: Human Skills That Make Statisticians Effective
This episode is a little different because Alun turns the microphone toward me. After 456 episodes, it feels both strange and exciting to be the “guest” on my own show. Together, we reflect on the journey so far and then dive into a topic close to both our hearts: the human skills that make statisticians and quantitative scientists truly effective.
We talk about leadership as helping others accom
Top 8: The Single Arm Studies and What are the Alternatives?
I’m excited to reshare one of our most-played conversations—the one where Norwegian regulator/HTA leader Anja Schiel and I get very practical about when single-arm trials fail decision-makers and what comparative, smarter alternatives look like for regulators, HTA bodies, payers, clinicians, and—most importantly—patients.
Top 7: How to work with a physician within Pharma to become a valuable partner
As statisticians in pharma, one of the most important professional relationships we can build is with our physician colleagues. When this partnership works well, studies run smoother, decisions are better, and our impact for patients grows.
In this all-time Top 7 replay, Benjamin Piske and I talk about what makes this collaboration effective, the challenges you may face, and how to establish your
Top 6: What is EU HTA and why should statisticians care?
This is one of our most downloaded episodes ever, and I’m excited to bring it back in this replay. In this conversation, I spoke with Lara Wolfson (MSD) and Anders Gorst-Rasmussen (Novo Nordisk) about EU HTA (European Union Health Technology Assessment): what it is, why it’s coming, and why statisticians like us must pay attention.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your approach to safety analysis
Top 5: The analysis of adverse events done right
We’re bringing back one of our most downloaded episodes ever – a deep dive into how adverse events should be analyzed properly. This conversation with Jan Beyersmann and Kaspar Rufibach is packed with methodological insights and practical implications for statisticians working in clinical trials.
Adverse event (AE) analysis has long been approached differently from efficacy analysis, often using
Replay: R vs SAS - which is the better tool in pharmaceutical research
In this special replay of one of our all-time most popular episodes, we dive deep into one of the most debated topics in the pharmaceutical industry: R vs SAS.
Together with Thomas Neitmann and my co-host Sam Gardner, we compare these two powerful statistical programming tools from multiple angles — ease of learning, day-to-day usability, community support, visualization capabilities, regulatory
Replay: The Chimp Paradox
In this special replay episode — the top 3 most downloaded of all time — I’m again joined by Stuart McGuire as we explore The Chimp Paradox by Professor Steve Peters.
This book provides a simple yet powerful model for understanding how our brain works — and how it often works against us if we’re not aware of it. Whether in meetings, under pressure, or dealing with self-doubt, understanding your i
Replay: Is data science something for you?
This episode ranks as the #2 most downloaded of all time—and for good reason. As data science continues to disrupt and redefine the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, statisticians everywhere are asking: Where do I fit in? In this insightful conversation, two leaders from Cytel—Yannis Jemiai, Head of Consulting and Software, and Rajat Mukherjee, Head of Data Science—share their personal jou
Replay: Things we would like to have known before we started with RWE
This episode originally struck a chord with statisticians around the world—and for good reason. Whether you’re just starting with real-world evidence (RWE) or mentoring someone who is, this conversation is packed with practical lessons that will help you navigate the complexities of observational data with more confidence.
In this special replay, guest Rachel Tham and I reflect on the real-world
AI and Statistics Start-ups: Opportunities and Challenges
In this thought-provoking keynote recording, Manjari Narayan takes us on a journey through one of the most pressing and promising intersections in modern science: the convergence of artificial intelligence, statistics, and biotechnology. Drawing on her extensive experience in both academia and biotech startups, Manjari explores the critical role statisticians can play in AI-driven drug discovery,
Combining RCT and RWD – applications in rare diseases and practical recommendations
In this special keynote episode, I’m excited to share the recording of Professor Tim Friede’s thought-provoking presentation from The Effective Statistician Conference 2024. Tim, a leading expert in biostatistics and clinical trial design, dives deep into the combination of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and real-world data (RWD)—especially in the context of rare diseases.
Drawing from his w
Real-World Evidence vs. Randomized Trials: Can We Emulate Accuracy?
In this keynote episode, Professor Sebastian Schneeweiss from Harvard Medical School shares groundbreaking insights from his extensive research into emulating randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using real-world data (RWD). Recorded live at The Effective Statistician Conference 2024, this talk explores whether non-randomized studies based on electronic health records and claims data can reach conc
The Power of Networking
In this episode of The Effective Statistician, Alun Bedding takes the mic to explore one of the most underrated yet transformative tools in any professional's career—networking.
With the PSI Conference happening, this episode offers timely insights into how statisticians—introverts and extroverts alike—can use networking to build meaningful professional relationships, accelerate their careers, an
Inclusion for All: Rethinking Success, Neurodiversity, and Accessibility in the Workplace
In this episode, Alun Bedding welcomes Emma Crawford for a powerful and personal conversation about building inclusive workplace cultures—ones where every individual can thrive. Emma shares her late diagnosis of autism and how it reshaped her experience and expectations of the workplace. Together, they explore the limitations of the traditional “reasonable adjustments” framework and introduce the
Daily updated systematic literature reviews - the future of oncology
How can oncologists and healthcare professionals keep up with the ever-growing body of research to make the best decisions for patients?
In this episode, I speak with Anna Forsythe, a pharmacologist, health economist, and founder of OncoScope, a groundbreaking platform delivering daily updated systematic literature reviews (SLRs) in oncology. Drawing on decades of experience in pharma and health
A novel approach for finding predictive biomarkers
In this episode, I’m joined by Julia Geronimi from Servier and Dr. Pavel Mozgunov from the University of Cambridge to explore a topic that’s absolutely central to advancing precision medicine—predictive biomarkers.
We dive into the challenges of identifying predictive vs. prognostic biomarkers, especially in early-phase clinical trials with limited sample sizes. What makes their approach so excit
A Webinar Recording: Redefining the Role of Statisticians in a World of Real-World Data and AI
In this special episode, I’m sharing the recording of a webinar I co-hosted with Cytel on March 20, 2025. I was joined by an expert panel of leaders in statistics and clinical development: Yannis Jemiai, Flaminia Chiesa, and Benjamin Piske. Together, we explored how the role of statisticians is rapidly evolving in response to industry changes, data innovations, and AI-driven transformation.
This
RWE and JCA - how do they go together
In this episode, I’m excited to welcome back Katrin Kupas, a statistician with deep expertise in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and real world evidence (RWE). We dive into how RWE and the new Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA) process in Europe can work together—and where the challenges lie.
As the JCA becomes more central in EU regulatory and reimbursement discussions, knowing how and when to u
Why and how you can promote more students become statisticians
As someone who found my way into statistics late—only halfway through university—I often wonder: what if more young people knew about this path earlier?
In this episode, I sit down with two wonderful guests and PSI volunteers, Emma Crawford and Alex Spiers, to explore exactly that: how we, as statisticians and scientists, can inspire the next generation.
We talk about the why behind investing in
Clarifying confusions around interim, primary, final, and other analyses in clinical trial
Group sequential trials, interim analyses, final analyses, updated analyses… what do these terms actually mean, and why is there so much confusion?
In this technical yet highly practical episode, I speak with Kaspar Rufibach, Principal Biostatistician at Roche, to unpack some of the most commonly misunderstood terminology and concepts in clinical trial design and analysis.
If you've ever questio
Reimagining Clinical Trials with Synthetic Data and Digital Twins
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Prof. Holger Fröhlich, who leads the AI and Data Science Group at the Fraunhofer Institute and is an honorary professor at the University of Bonn. We explored one of the hottest topics in healthcare data science right now: synthetic data.
Holger and I discussed how synthetic data is generated using AI, what role digital twins could play in the
Working in an english work environment as a non-native speaker
In this episode, I’m diving into a topic that’s very personal to me—working in an English-speaking environment as a non-native speaker. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your English skills in meetings, emails, or presentations, you’re not alone. I’ve been there myself, and I want to share what’s helped me grow more confident and effective over the years.
I’ll walk you through practical strategies
R-shiny - how to set it up effectively and avoid common mistakes
In this episode, I’m once again joined by Daniel Sabanés Bové for a deep dive into one of the most impactful tools for statisticians working with data visualization—R-Shiny.
We explore how interactive data visualizations can help you iterate faster, collaborate better across functions, and focus more on the actual scientific questions rather than just coding. Daniel shares some excellent examples
3 personal stories of how soft skills have helped me as a statistician
In this episode, I’m sharing three personal stories where soft skills—or better yet, human skills—made a huge difference in my work as a statistician.
Whether it was building trust to access critical data, presenting results in a way that truly resonated, or negotiating a fair contract, these experiences reminded me how essential these skills are alongside our technical expertise.
R-packages - best practices and useful tools
In this episode, I’m joined once again by Daniel Sabanés Bové to talk all about R packages—why they’re so useful, when to create one, and how to do it effectively. Whether you’re just starting out with writing reusable functions or thinking about building a more robust and reusable R package, you’ll find plenty of hands-on advice in our discussion.
Daniel shares his experiences from working at Ro
Delegating programming tasks - how SOPs help and hinder
Statistics and Market access - from foes to friends
In this episode, I welcome back Necdet Gunsoy, who’s now in a new role as the founder of EviMed, a boutique consultancy specializing in health economics, outcomes research, real-world evidence, and market access.
We dive into the often tense relationship between statisticians and market access professionals, exploring why these functions struggle to collaborate and, more importantly, how we can w
Beyond logic - how to convince others of your ideas
In this episode of The Effective Statistician podcast, I dive into the art of persuasion. As statisticians and data scientists, we often rely on logic and data, but true influence requires more than just being right.
Drawing from ancient Greek philosophy, I explore the three pillars of persuasion—ethos (credibility), logos (logic), and pathos (emotion)—and share practical strategies to help you
P-value and confidence intervals - the good, the bad, and the ugly
In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I sit down with Kaspar Rufibach to tackle a topic that affects statisticians every day—how to interpret p-values, confidence intervals, and statistical hypotheses.
We explore the differences between Fisher’s and Neyman-Pearson’s approaches, clear up common misconceptions, and discuss how misinterpreting statistical significance can lead to flawed co
Building the Influence as a Statistician in a Clinical Trial Team
In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I dive into a crucial skill—building influence within a clinical trial team. As statisticians, we often need to negotiate timelines, advocate for better analysis methods, and ensure clear communication across teams. The stronger our influence, the more impact we can have on study outcomes and, ultimately, patients.
I break down the key pillars of tr
Effective self-management and taking care of your mental health
I know firsthand how challenging it can be to manage a heavy workload while maintaining mental well-being. In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I talk with Peter Wehmeier about the five key dimensions of self-management—building strong relationships, setting priorities, making decisions, and taking action.
We share practical strategies to reduce stress, strengthen resilience, and take
Taming AI for Biostatistics: Darko Medin on Bio AI Works & Reliable AI Models
Welcome to another episode of The Effective Statistician! Today, I sit down with Darko Medin to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming biostatistics.
Darko works as a biostatistician for companies worldwide and builds digital solutions that push AI’s boundaries. We dive into Bio AI Works, the platform he’s developing to improve AI reliability and eliminate issues like hallucinations
Slow Productivity
In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I explore Slow Productivity by Cal Newport—a book that challenges how we think about work and efficiency.
I welcome Alun Bedding and Steve Mallett to discuss how statisticians can apply Newport’s principles: doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and obsessing over quality.
We share our experiences with managing workloads, cutting unnecess
Behind the Scenes of Writing a Book About Casual Inference
In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I talk with Justin Belair about the process of writing a book on causal inference, one of the hottest topics in statistics.
Justin explains how he discovered causal inference, what motivated him to write a hands-on technical book, and how he balances theory, real-world applications, and coding exercises. Having written a book myself, I know the chal
What Is The MDLC and How It Will Help You?
In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I introduce the Medical Data Leaders Community (MDLC)—a powerful new resource for statisticians, data scientists, programmers, and other quantitative professionals in healthcare research.
I created this community to help you build and refine your leadership skills, so you can increase your influence and drive better decision-making in your organizati
Endless To-Do Lists
Do you ever feel like your to-do list keeps growing no matter how much you check off?
I’ve been there—busy all day but still feeling unproductive and overwhelmed.
In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I share practical strategies to help you take back control. You'll learn why to-do lists spiral out of control, how to use the “single bridge system” to manage tasks efficiently, and how
Struggling With A Full Calendar?
In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I tackle the challenge of a packed calendar head-on.
If back-to-back meetings, endless calls, and constant interruptions leave you with no time for deep, meaningful work, you’re not alone. I once averaged 37 meetings per week, so I know exactly how overwhelming it feels. I break down why our calendars spiral out of control, the real cost of this nons
Breaking Free from the Beliefs Keeping You Stuck in Long Hours
In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I tackle a challenge that many of us face—working long hours and feeling stuck in an endless cycle of pressure and expectations.
I’ve spoken to countless professionals who struggle with ever-growing workloads, limited resources, and rigid workplace structures that make it difficult to work more efficiently. But the real issue isn’t just about managi
What Are GAMS and How Can You Leverage Them?
In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I explore how GAMS—the General Algebraic Modeling System—can solve complex optimization problems and transform how you approach modeling.
I talk with Steve Dirkse, an expert who explains how GAMS simplifies challenges in logistics, healthcare, and beyond. Unlike generalized additive models, GAMS uses an algebraic modeling language to handle intricate
Why Becoming a Long-Haul Leader Matters
Are you tired of rushing through endless meetings, juggling countless tasks, and feeling like the grind never stops?
Do you wonder if all this hustle is worth the toll it’s taking on your health, relationships, and happiness?
In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I challenge the unsustainable culture of constant hustle and offer a better path: long-haul leadership. I’ll show you how foc
Negotiation for Statisticians: Advocating for Yourself and Your Work
Welcome to another episode of The Effective Statistician podcast!
Today, I tackle the essential skill of negotiation—a tool we statisticians use every day, often without realizing it. We negotiate when we push for better study designs, adjust project timelines, or secure resources like training and conference budgets. Beyond work, we negotiate in our personal lives with family, friends, or vendor
Trust
In this Friday edition of The Effective Statistician, Alun Bedding takes center stage to discuss a topic central to leadership and personal influence: Trust.
With his characteristic insight and practical approach, Alun explores how trust forms the foundation of effective leadership, regardless of one’s title or position. Drawing on real-world examples and actionable strategies, he highlights the
Behind the Pages: How I Wrote 'How to Be an Effective Statistician'
Welcome to a brand-new year and an exciting new episode of The Effective Statistician!
I’m thrilled to kick off 2025 by sharing some incredible news—I’ve written a book! After years of planning, false starts, and a lot of learning along the way, How to Be an Effective Statistician is finally complete and will officially launch on January 15th. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of how
Imposter Syndrome
In this Friday edition of The Effective Statistician podcast, Alun Bedding tackles the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome. He shares his own experiences with self-doubt, offering listeners a transparent and relatable perspective on how these feelings can affect even accomplished professionals.
Drawing insights from Dr. Steve Peters' The Chimp Paradox and other tools, Alun explains how our "inn
Learn, Do, Reflect, and Start Again! How to Become a Better Leader
What makes a great leader?
How do you build trust, influence others, and create real value in your organization?
In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I show you how to grow as a leader by following a powerful cycle: learn, do, reflect, and start again.
Leadership goes beyond authority—it’s about taking action, communicating effectively, and driving meaningful change. I share practi
2025 Lifestyle Planning
Planning for 2025 doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can be a powerful exercise in aligning your goals with your ideal lifestyle and long-term aspirations. In this episode, Alun Bedding provides actionable strategies and thoughtful insights to help you approach the year ahead with clarity and purpose. Whether you’re aiming to elevate your career, find balance, or simply refine your approach to goa
Early Development and The Dose Selection in the Immune-oncology
How do we find the right dose in immune-oncology trials?
Is the traditional “maximum tolerated dose” approach still enough, or should we also focus on efficacy?
In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I talk with Teppo Huttunen, a seasoned statistician and co-founder of the boutique CRO, Estimeds. We uncover the shortcomings of the conventional three-plus-three design and explain how th
Sharpen The Saw
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your work as a statistician?
Do you wonder how to stay sharp and maintain balance while tackling complex challenges?
In this Friday episode of The Effective Statistician, my co-host for, Alun Bedding, takes the lead to unpack the concept of "sharpening the saw," inspired by Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Alun dives into the art o
Why is it important to measure exposure to digital health interventions and how to tackle the challenge
Welcome to this episode of The Effective Statistician! Today, I explore an exciting and rapidly growing field: digital health interventions.
Have you ever wondered how to define engagement with these tools?
Why does measuring engagement matter so much for their success?
And how can statisticians solve the unique challenges that come with this digital space?
I speak with Jack Elkes, a PhD re
Why Do Clinical Trials Impact the Climate Heavily and What We Can Do About It?
Have you ever thought about how clinical trials affect the environment?
I hadn’t, until I spoke with Annie Wright, a first-year PhD student at Imperial College who is passionate about greener research. In this episode, we uncover how clinical trials contribute to climate change, from travel emissions to operational inefficiencies. We dive into practical actions statisticians and researchers can t
Introduction to Dealing with Non-proportional Hazards
Have you faced the challenge of dealing with non-proportional hazards in survival analysis?
In this episode, I team up with Kaspar Rufibach, a statistical methodology expert, to break down what proportional hazards mean, why the assumption often fails, and how you can tackle these situations effectively.
We explain key concepts like hazard functions, discuss practical ways to analyze and visua
How Real Leaders Help Their People Grow Professionally and As a Person
Introduction to Episode: "How Real Leaders Help Their People Grow Professionally and Personally"
What does it take to be a great leader?
How do you build trust, inspire growth, and create real value for your team and organization?
In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I sit down with Aziza Yormirzaeva and Klaus Breuer to answer these questions. Aziza shares how Klaus, her former mana
Clinical Development of Gene Therapies
What makes gene therapy so different from traditional drug development?
How do we address safety when each patient only receives a single dose?
And why are statisticians so essential in this process?
In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I sit down with Oscar Segurado, an MD, PhD, an expert in gene and cell therapies, to answer these questions and more. Oscar draws on decades of expe
Statistical Topics in Gene Therapy
What if we could target genetic diseases at their root, offering lifelong cures instead of temporary solutions?
And what role do statisticians play in making this breakthrough possible?
In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I dive into the fascinating world of gene therapy—an area packed with both promise and complexity.
I'm thrilled to finally cover this revolutionary field with tw
Clinical Development Plans
What does it take to create an effective clinical development plan? How do our early decisions shape the path of a compound through clinical phases? And how can statisticians actively balance the demands of science, speed, and cost in drug development?
In this special 400th episode of The Effective Statistician, I dive into these questions with Carrie Li, a biostatistics expert whose career span
The Most Important Things You Need to Know About AI And ML
Have you wondered how large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are transforming the way we work?
How can AI tools boost efficiency in statistics and pharmaceutical research?
In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I talk with Pietro Mascheroni from Boehringer Ingelheim to answer these questions. Pietro, a physicist, shares how LLMs are being used in real-world applications, from simpli
Can Statisticians Contribute to Moving Out of The Statistics Function?
Are you a statistician looking to expand your career beyond the statistics department?
Do you want to know how your data expertise and strategic thinking can open new doors?
In this episode of The Effective Statistician podcast, I sit down with Swarna Khare, who made that leap and found success in strategic roles across the industry. We explore her journey, discussing how statisticians can lev
