# Integrated Biostatistical Training for CVD Research

> **NIH NIH T32** · NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH · 2024 · $294,454

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
This application proposes renewal of an integrated program for predoctoral training in biostatistics, focused on
preparing trainees for careers in cardiovascular disease research. The escalating demand for skilled
biostatisticians equipped to address ongoing and emerging challenges in cardiovascular disease research calls
for out-of-the-box training. The proposed program formally integrates extensive experiences in multidisciplinary,
collaborative environments; mastery of the theoretical underpinnings of statistics required for rigorous application
of sophisticated biostatistical techniques and development of new methodology; and strong underpinnings in
communication and leadership skills. The program will be a joint effort of the Department of Statistics at North
Carolina State University (NC State), the Duke University Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (B&B),
and the Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI). It capitalizes on the long-standing partnership between the two
doctoral programs and the largest academic clinical research organization in the world, with internationally known
researchers at the forefront of cardiovascular disease and related research. The five-year program will support
five trainee positions in the NC State Department and two positions in Years 1-3 and three in Years 4-5 in Duke
B&B, with average duration of appointment 2-3 years. In addition, NC State will provide two additional matching
slots and DCRI will provide two additional slots in each year for trainees transitioning from training grant funding.
Trainees at each institution will pursue rigorous study of statistical theory, including probability, inference, linear
and other statistical models, advanced probability, and advanced statistical inference; and of statistical methods,
including clinical trials design/analysis, longitudinal data analysis, survival analysis, and cutting-edge topics, such
as record linkage, machine learning, parallel computing relevant to biomedical Big Data. They will also receive
training in fundamental aspects of biology and cardiovascular medicine as well as research responsibility and
ethics; and extensive formal and experiential training in communication and leadership skills. Trainees will be
introduced to DCRI cardiovascular disease research gradually and evolve to full collaborative apprenticeships
in which they are integrated as functioning members of DCRI project teams. Through this apprenticeship and
formal courses and seminars, trainees will develop considerable working knowledge of cardiovascular medicine
that will position them to make immediate contributions to cardiovascular disease research upon completion of
the program. Each trainee will be assigned an inter-institutional mentorship team comprising a biostatistician
mentor at each of NC State and B&B and a clinician mentor whose primary affiliation is at DCRI, which will
collaborate in guiding them through all aspects. Dissertation ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10872109
- **Project number:** 5T32HL079896-18
- **Recipient organization:** NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Sean M O'Brien
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $294,454
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2006-05-15 → 2027-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10872109

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10872109, Integrated Biostatistical Training for CVD Research (5T32HL079896-18). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10872109. Licensed CC0.

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