MRC Biostatistics Unit
@mrc-bsu.bsky.social
We develop, apply and promote innovative statistical and data science approaches to advance biomedical science and human health.
www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk
www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk
Reposted by MRC Biostatistics Unit
New pre-print "Mendelian randomization in a multi-ancestry world: reflections and practical advice" led by @amymariemason.bsky.social on - arxiv.org/abs/2510.17554
Mendelian randomization in a multi-ancestry world: reflections and practical advice
Many Mendelian randomization (MR) papers have been conducted only in people of European ancestry, limiting transportability of results to the global population. Expanding MR to diverse ancestry groups...
arxiv.org
October 27, 2025 at 8:43 AM
New pre-print "Mendelian randomization in a multi-ancestry world: reflections and practical advice" led by @amymariemason.bsky.social on - arxiv.org/abs/2510.17554
Another fantastic Armitage Workshop!
This year, it was on the theme of integration of data from multiple domains, with fantastic talks and discussions.
Thanks to all our speakers and to all those who attended.
This year, it was on the theme of integration of data from multiple domains, with fantastic talks and discussions.
Thanks to all our speakers and to all those who attended.
October 24, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Another fantastic Armitage Workshop!
This year, it was on the theme of integration of data from multiple domains, with fantastic talks and discussions.
Thanks to all our speakers and to all those who attended.
This year, it was on the theme of integration of data from multiple domains, with fantastic talks and discussions.
Thanks to all our speakers and to all those who attended.
Happy #WorldStatisticsDay2025! 🎉
At the BSU, you can find a fantastic group of passionate people driven to improve the way we look at scientific problems and design methods to help us understand the deluge of data we are surrounded by.
At the BSU, you can find a fantastic group of passionate people driven to improve the way we look at scientific problems and design methods to help us understand the deluge of data we are surrounded by.
October 20, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Happy #WorldStatisticsDay2025! 🎉
At the BSU, you can find a fantastic group of passionate people driven to improve the way we look at scientific problems and design methods to help us understand the deluge of data we are surrounded by.
At the BSU, you can find a fantastic group of passionate people driven to improve the way we look at scientific problems and design methods to help us understand the deluge of data we are surrounded by.
Reposted by MRC Biostatistics Unit
I'm very excited to be attending my first #ASHG25 this week! Come find me at poster board 1090F to talk about flexible and efficient eQTL mapping with quasar!
October 13, 2025 at 1:23 PM
I'm very excited to be attending my first #ASHG25 this week! Come find me at poster board 1090F to talk about flexible and efficient eQTL mapping with quasar!
Reposted by MRC Biostatistics Unit
📣Preprint alert - a tricky one, as there are no significant results (and we all know null-results are hard to publish)
Do PCSK9 levels affect survival in breast cancer patients?
We tried to replicate findings in cell lines and mouse model using 3 Mendelian Randomization approaches, but failed.
Do PCSK9 levels affect survival in breast cancer patients?
We tried to replicate findings in cell lines and mouse model using 3 Mendelian Randomization approaches, but failed.
PCSK9 and breast cancer survival: a Mendelian Randomization study https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.03.25337270v1
October 6, 2025 at 4:50 PM
📣Preprint alert - a tricky one, as there are no significant results (and we all know null-results are hard to publish)
Do PCSK9 levels affect survival in breast cancer patients?
We tried to replicate findings in cell lines and mouse model using 3 Mendelian Randomization approaches, but failed.
Do PCSK9 levels affect survival in breast cancer patients?
We tried to replicate findings in cell lines and mouse model using 3 Mendelian Randomization approaches, but failed.
Our Director John Whittaker took part in a short video interview discussing; what motivated him to work in biostatistics, why he enjoys being Director, and his thoughts on the future of #Biostatistics.
Watch here 👇
youtu.be/o3ArK999wgE
Watch here 👇
youtu.be/o3ArK999wgE
Meet our researchers: Interview with John Whittaker
YouTube video by MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge
youtu.be
October 7, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Our Director John Whittaker took part in a short video interview discussing; what motivated him to work in biostatistics, why he enjoys being Director, and his thoughts on the future of #Biostatistics.
Watch here 👇
youtu.be/o3ArK999wgE
Watch here 👇
youtu.be/o3ArK999wgE
Reposted by MRC Biostatistics Unit
Full recording of the PSI webinar by myself and @jack_bowdenjack on instrumental variable methods is available online: psiweb.org/vod/item/efs...
PSI
The community dedicated to leading and promoting the use of statistics within the healthcare industry for the benefit of patients.
psiweb.org
October 6, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Full recording of the PSI webinar by myself and @jack_bowdenjack on instrumental variable methods is available online: psiweb.org/vod/item/efs...
There are 2 weeks left to register for our annual flagship event - 22nd Armitage Workshop and Lecture.
The theme this year is integration of data from multiple domains, with a brilliant programme of talks.
23 Oct, Cambridge and online
onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk/conferences-...
The theme this year is integration of data from multiple domains, with a brilliant programme of talks.
23 Oct, Cambridge and online
onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk/conferences-...
October 1, 2025 at 7:42 AM
There are 2 weeks left to register for our annual flagship event - 22nd Armitage Workshop and Lecture.
The theme this year is integration of data from multiple domains, with a brilliant programme of talks.
23 Oct, Cambridge and online
onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk/conferences-...
The theme this year is integration of data from multiple domains, with a brilliant programme of talks.
23 Oct, Cambridge and online
onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk/conferences-...
Reposted by MRC Biostatistics Unit
🧠Any level of alcohol consumption increases risk of dementia
This study, led by Oxford Population Health, @yaleschoolofmed.bsky.social, @mrc-bsu.bsky.social and @oxfordpsychiatry.bsky.social shows even low levels of drinking may increase risk of dementia.
Learn more ➡️
This study, led by Oxford Population Health, @yaleschoolofmed.bsky.social, @mrc-bsu.bsky.social and @oxfordpsychiatry.bsky.social shows even low levels of drinking may increase risk of dementia.
Learn more ➡️
Any level of alcohol consumption increases risk of dementia
Study finds any alcohol intake may increase dementia risk, challenging assumptions about moderate drinking and highlighting no safe level for brain health.
buff.ly
September 24, 2025 at 8:32 AM
🧠Any level of alcohol consumption increases risk of dementia
This study, led by Oxford Population Health, @yaleschoolofmed.bsky.social, @mrc-bsu.bsky.social and @oxfordpsychiatry.bsky.social shows even low levels of drinking may increase risk of dementia.
Learn more ➡️
This study, led by Oxford Population Health, @yaleschoolofmed.bsky.social, @mrc-bsu.bsky.social and @oxfordpsychiatry.bsky.social shows even low levels of drinking may increase risk of dementia.
Learn more ➡️
Happy #PostdocAppreciationWeek 😀🎉🤩
Programme Leaders, Sofia Villar and Paul Kirk, endorse just how brilliant our BSU postdocs are and how they add significant value to our research portfolio and working environment.
Thank you to each and every one of you 🙏
Programme Leaders, Sofia Villar and Paul Kirk, endorse just how brilliant our BSU postdocs are and how they add significant value to our research portfolio and working environment.
Thank you to each and every one of you 🙏
September 19, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Happy #PostdocAppreciationWeek 😀🎉🤩
Programme Leaders, Sofia Villar and Paul Kirk, endorse just how brilliant our BSU postdocs are and how they add significant value to our research portfolio and working environment.
Thank you to each and every one of you 🙏
Programme Leaders, Sofia Villar and Paul Kirk, endorse just how brilliant our BSU postdocs are and how they add significant value to our research portfolio and working environment.
Thank you to each and every one of you 🙏
Reposted by MRC Biostatistics Unit
At our next hybrid Bradford Hill Seminar, @dannydorling.bsky.social of the University of Oxford will discuss:
The politics of epidemiology and public health in the UK
📅 Wed 15 October, 1 PM (UK)
Register at buff.ly/wblZfOx
@dphpc.bsky.social @mrc-bsu.bsky.social @phgfoundation.bsky.social
The politics of epidemiology and public health in the UK
📅 Wed 15 October, 1 PM (UK)
Register at buff.ly/wblZfOx
@dphpc.bsky.social @mrc-bsu.bsky.social @phgfoundation.bsky.social
September 18, 2025 at 3:01 PM
At our next hybrid Bradford Hill Seminar, @dannydorling.bsky.social of the University of Oxford will discuss:
The politics of epidemiology and public health in the UK
📅 Wed 15 October, 1 PM (UK)
Register at buff.ly/wblZfOx
@dphpc.bsky.social @mrc-bsu.bsky.social @phgfoundation.bsky.social
The politics of epidemiology and public health in the UK
📅 Wed 15 October, 1 PM (UK)
Register at buff.ly/wblZfOx
@dphpc.bsky.social @mrc-bsu.bsky.social @phgfoundation.bsky.social
A few weeks ago, we filmed a lovely short interview with Research Associate, Rajenki Das 🤩
Rajenki gives a summary of her current research and discusses what she enjoys about working at the BSU, as well as what she likes to do outside of work.
Watch the video at 👇
youtu.be/NzQl4KXkgwo
Rajenki gives a summary of her current research and discusses what she enjoys about working at the BSU, as well as what she likes to do outside of work.
Watch the video at 👇
youtu.be/NzQl4KXkgwo
Meet our researchers: Interview with Rajenki Das
YouTube video by MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge
youtu.be
September 17, 2025 at 9:33 AM
A few weeks ago, we filmed a lovely short interview with Research Associate, Rajenki Das 🤩
Rajenki gives a summary of her current research and discusses what she enjoys about working at the BSU, as well as what she likes to do outside of work.
Watch the video at 👇
youtu.be/NzQl4KXkgwo
Rajenki gives a summary of her current research and discusses what she enjoys about working at the BSU, as well as what she likes to do outside of work.
Watch the video at 👇
youtu.be/NzQl4KXkgwo
This summer we welcomed another fantastic cohort of #Interns to work on and contribute to BSU research projects.
"The internship has not only given me technical skills and research experience, but also something deeper - a sense of direction."
Read more:
www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/news/another...
"The internship has not only given me technical skills and research experience, but also something deeper - a sense of direction."
Read more:
www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/news/another...
September 8, 2025 at 2:10 PM
This summer we welcomed another fantastic cohort of #Interns to work on and contribute to BSU research projects.
"The internship has not only given me technical skills and research experience, but also something deeper - a sense of direction."
Read more:
www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/news/another...
"The internship has not only given me technical skills and research experience, but also something deeper - a sense of direction."
Read more:
www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/news/another...
Our short course on Adaptive Methods in Clinical Research is back!
17 - 19 Nov, Cambridge
We introduce the definition of adaptive designs and consider its several most common types.
More info & registration 👇
onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk/conferences-...
17 - 19 Nov, Cambridge
We introduce the definition of adaptive designs and consider its several most common types.
More info & registration 👇
onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk/conferences-...
Adaptive Methods in Clinical Research, 17-19 November 2025 | University of Cambridge
Many confirmatory clinical trials turn out to be negative and do not lead to the registration of a new drug or the introduction of a new treatment. Consequ
onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk
September 1, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Our short course on Adaptive Methods in Clinical Research is back!
17 - 19 Nov, Cambridge
We introduce the definition of adaptive designs and consider its several most common types.
More info & registration 👇
onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk/conferences-...
17 - 19 Nov, Cambridge
We introduce the definition of adaptive designs and consider its several most common types.
More info & registration 👇
onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk/conferences-...
We were delighted to take part in the first Cambridge Biomedical Campus School Safari.
We welcomed a group of local school students to our Unit, to have fun with statistics and inspire future careers in #STEM.
Read more 👇
www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/news/local-s...
We welcomed a group of local school students to our Unit, to have fun with statistics and inspire future careers in #STEM.
Read more 👇
www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/news/local-s...
July 31, 2025 at 11:24 AM
We were delighted to take part in the first Cambridge Biomedical Campus School Safari.
We welcomed a group of local school students to our Unit, to have fun with statistics and inspire future careers in #STEM.
Read more 👇
www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/news/local-s...
We welcomed a group of local school students to our Unit, to have fun with statistics and inspire future careers in #STEM.
Read more 👇
www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/news/local-s...
This summer, we are privileged to have a fantastic group of interns with us for eight weeks.
They are each working with our researchers on projects and experiencing life at our Unit.
It's great to have you all with us 😀
They are each working with our researchers on projects and experiencing life at our Unit.
It's great to have you all with us 😀
July 31, 2025 at 8:41 AM
This summer, we are privileged to have a fantastic group of interns with us for eight weeks.
They are each working with our researchers on projects and experiencing life at our Unit.
It's great to have you all with us 😀
They are each working with our researchers on projects and experiencing life at our Unit.
It's great to have you all with us 😀
Reposted by MRC Biostatistics Unit
New pre-print online: "Context-stratified Mendelian randomization: exploiting regional exposure variation to explore causal effect heterogeneity and non-linearity", arxiv.org/abs/2507.11088. We propose an alternative approach to assess non-linearity in Mendelian randomization.
Context-stratified Mendelian randomization: exploiting regional exposure variation to explore causal effect heterogeneity and non-linearity
Mendelian randomization (MR) uses genetic variants as instrumental variables to make causal claims. Standard MR approaches typically report a single population-averaged estimate, limiting their abilit...
arxiv.org
July 22, 2025 at 11:18 AM
New pre-print online: "Context-stratified Mendelian randomization: exploiting regional exposure variation to explore causal effect heterogeneity and non-linearity", arxiv.org/abs/2507.11088. We propose an alternative approach to assess non-linearity in Mendelian randomization.
Reposted by MRC Biostatistics Unit
Very excited to share new work from my PhD on a new software package for eQTL mapping: quasar. The quasar software package is a C++ program designed to provide a flexible and efficient eQTL mapping. www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1...
Flexible and efficient count-distribution and mixed-model methods for eQTL mapping with quasar
Identifying genetic variants that affect gene expression, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs), is a major focus of modern genomics. Today, various methods exist for eQTL mapping, each using dif...
www.medrxiv.org
July 22, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Very excited to share new work from my PhD on a new software package for eQTL mapping: quasar. The quasar software package is a C++ program designed to provide a flexible and efficient eQTL mapping. www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by MRC Biostatistics Unit
We're sharing more Natsal methods innovations at #ESRA25 today:
Tommy Nyberg @mrc-bsu.bsky.social is presenting on integrating survey data from different samples
Eileen Irvin @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social is presenting about remote biosample collection
Tommy Nyberg @mrc-bsu.bsky.social is presenting on integrating survey data from different samples
Eileen Irvin @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social is presenting about remote biosample collection
July 16, 2025 at 12:49 PM
We're sharing more Natsal methods innovations at #ESRA25 today:
Tommy Nyberg @mrc-bsu.bsky.social is presenting on integrating survey data from different samples
Eileen Irvin @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social is presenting about remote biosample collection
Tommy Nyberg @mrc-bsu.bsky.social is presenting on integrating survey data from different samples
Eileen Irvin @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social is presenting about remote biosample collection
Today, Tommy Nyberg is speaking at #ESRA2025 about his work on the Natsal Study @natsal.bsky.social -
"Data Integration Using Doubly Robust and Bayesian Meta-Analysis Methods for Probability and Convenience Samples"
www.europeansurveyresearch.org/conf2025/pro...
"Data Integration Using Doubly Robust and Bayesian Meta-Analysis Methods for Probability and Convenience Samples"
www.europeansurveyresearch.org/conf2025/pro...
ESRA Conference
The European Survey Research Association (ESRA) is the leading professional organisation of survey researchers in Europe, with members from the academic, government, non-profit and commercial sectors
www.europeansurveyresearch.org
July 16, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Today, Tommy Nyberg is speaking at #ESRA2025 about his work on the Natsal Study @natsal.bsky.social -
"Data Integration Using Doubly Robust and Bayesian Meta-Analysis Methods for Probability and Convenience Samples"
www.europeansurveyresearch.org/conf2025/pro...
"Data Integration Using Doubly Robust and Bayesian Meta-Analysis Methods for Probability and Convenience Samples"
www.europeansurveyresearch.org/conf2025/pro...
Reposted by MRC Biostatistics Unit
👀Look out for three Natsal-4 talks at #ESRA25 this week:
Katharine Sadler @natcen.bsky.social with an overview of Natsal-4's methods
Eileen Irvin @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social on remote biosampling
Tommy Nyberg @mrc-bsu.bsky.social on analysis methods to combine probability and non-probability data
Katharine Sadler @natcen.bsky.social with an overview of Natsal-4's methods
Eileen Irvin @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social on remote biosampling
Tommy Nyberg @mrc-bsu.bsky.social on analysis methods to combine probability and non-probability data
July 15, 2025 at 7:52 AM
👀Look out for three Natsal-4 talks at #ESRA25 this week:
Katharine Sadler @natcen.bsky.social with an overview of Natsal-4's methods
Eileen Irvin @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social on remote biosampling
Tommy Nyberg @mrc-bsu.bsky.social on analysis methods to combine probability and non-probability data
Katharine Sadler @natcen.bsky.social with an overview of Natsal-4's methods
Eileen Irvin @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social on remote biosampling
Tommy Nyberg @mrc-bsu.bsky.social on analysis methods to combine probability and non-probability data
Reposted by MRC Biostatistics Unit
On 7 May 2025, Victoria Hall of the UK Health Security Agency delivered a Bradford Hill Seminar:
The SIREN study at five years: Tracking SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory infections in UK healthcare workers since 2020
Watch a recording: buff.ly/S6Y59TP
@mrc-bsu.bsky.social @phgfoundation.bsky.social
The SIREN study at five years: Tracking SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory infections in UK healthcare workers since 2020
Watch a recording: buff.ly/S6Y59TP
@mrc-bsu.bsky.social @phgfoundation.bsky.social
Bradford Hill Seminar by Victoria Hall, UK Health Security Agency
Title: “The SIREN study at five years: tracking SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory infections in UK healthcare workers since 2020” Background: The SARS-CoV-2 Immunit...
buff.ly
July 9, 2025 at 3:06 PM
On 7 May 2025, Victoria Hall of the UK Health Security Agency delivered a Bradford Hill Seminar:
The SIREN study at five years: Tracking SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory infections in UK healthcare workers since 2020
Watch a recording: buff.ly/S6Y59TP
@mrc-bsu.bsky.social @phgfoundation.bsky.social
The SIREN study at five years: Tracking SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory infections in UK healthcare workers since 2020
Watch a recording: buff.ly/S6Y59TP
@mrc-bsu.bsky.social @phgfoundation.bsky.social
In May, we organised a one-day workshop on the topic of HIV and STI data and how they can be better used to inform sexual health services.
Read more:
www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/news/using-l...
Read more:
www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/news/using-l...
July 8, 2025 at 4:02 PM
In May, we organised a one-day workshop on the topic of HIV and STI data and how they can be better used to inform sexual health services.
Read more:
www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/news/using-l...
Read more:
www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/news/using-l...
Registration now open for short course on:
Efficient Adaptive Designs for Phase I Dose-Finding and Dose-Optimisation Studies
24 - 26 Sept, Cambridge
Register:
onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk/conferences-...
@pmozgunov.bsky.social @thomasjaki.bsky.social
Efficient Adaptive Designs for Phase I Dose-Finding and Dose-Optimisation Studies
24 - 26 Sept, Cambridge
Register:
onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk/conferences-...
@pmozgunov.bsky.social @thomasjaki.bsky.social
Efficient Adaptive Designs for Phase I Dose-Finding and Dose-Optimisation Studies, 24-26 Sep 2025 | University of Cambridge
Early phase trials are recognised to have a major impact on later phase confirmatory trials. This course presents state of the art methodology for Phase I
onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk
July 3, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Registration now open for short course on:
Efficient Adaptive Designs for Phase I Dose-Finding and Dose-Optimisation Studies
24 - 26 Sept, Cambridge
Register:
onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk/conferences-...
@pmozgunov.bsky.social @thomasjaki.bsky.social
Efficient Adaptive Designs for Phase I Dose-Finding and Dose-Optimisation Studies
24 - 26 Sept, Cambridge
Register:
onlinesales.admin.cam.ac.uk/conferences-...
@pmozgunov.bsky.social @thomasjaki.bsky.social