A Special Conference on Biostatistics in the New Era of Data-Driven Sciences

Celebrating the 55th Anniversary of
The Department of Biostatistics and Data Science
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
School of Public Health
November 15-16, 2024
Houston, Texas

About 

With the first class admitted in 1969, the Department of Biostatistics and Data Science at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health is celebrating its 55th Anniversary. For this special milestone in the history of the Department, the conference is organized to invite researchers and alumni in the United States and around the World to come to give talks and discuss problems, share results, identify emerging issues, and establish academic collaboration on Biostatistics and Data Science in the new era of data-driven sciences.

The conference will be held in the home building of UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, where many generations of our students have been studying. This is also a home-coming event for our alumni who are a pride of the Department for their successes and achievements.

Organization

Organizing Committee

• Samiran Ghosh (Chair)
• Hulin Wu
• Dejian Lai
• Yunxin Fu
• Folefac Atem
• Baojiang Chen
• Vahed Maroufy
• Tru Cao
• Ruosha Li

Program Committee

• Ruosha Li (co-Chair)
• Wenyaw Chan (co-Chair)
• Sara Jimenez
• Dejian Lai
• Wen Li
• Rossi Luo
• Jonathan Mahnken
• Moon Emmanuel

Abstract Submission

Important Dates:

The abstract submission deadline for poster presentations has been extended to October 15th, 2024.

Topics

Topics of relevance for the presentations include, but not limited to the following:

-Methods and/or algorithms for biostatistics or data science

-Applications of biostatistical, machine learning, or artificial intelligence methods for important real-world problems

-Design and analysis of epidemiological or clinical trial studies

Sessions

Invited session: invited presenters have received email invitations. The speaker will give an oral presentation of around 20 minutes at one of the invited sessions.

Contributed session: the speaker will give a brief oral presentation of around 2 minutes in the speed session and then give a poster presentation in the poster session.

Formats of Abstract

Each submission must include a title and an abstract. The abstract should not exceed the word limit of 250 words. Include the name and affiliation of all authors, and the contact email of the presenting author.

Abstract Submission

Abstract submissions are now open! To submit your abstract to the conference, first create an account with Microsoft CMT at this link. Once you have made an account, go to the submission page there.

After you are logged in, you will be taken to the Author Console page. All your submitted abstracts will be listed on this page. Click on the top-left corner of your screen to submit a new abstract.

If you can't see the conference, select the "All Conferences" tab and filter for "A Special Conference on Biostatistics in the New Era of Data-Driven Sciences."

Complete all sections on the form and press the "SUBMIT" button at the end of the page to submit. You may edit your abstract up until the submission deadline.

Abstract Submission Confirmation

After submitting your abstract, you will receive an auto confirmation email from [email protected] . Please double check the accuracy of your submission as shown in this email. Please check your spam/junk email folder if you don’t receive this auto confirmation email. A formal confirmation email will be sent from the conference by Sep 30, 2024.

Program

Download a detailed program here.

Day 1 (morning)

Day 1 (afternoon)

Day 2 (morning)

Keynote Speakers

Susan Halabi, PhD

James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University

Jill Barnholtz-Sloan, PhD

Acting Director, Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology (CBIIT), National Institute of Health (NIH)

Kannan Natarajan, PhD

Head of Global Biometrics and Data Management, Pfizer Research & Development, Pfizer Inc

Keynote Speech Abstracts

Looking Ahead: Transforming Clinical Trials through Innovation, Real-World Evidence, and Patient Diversity

Speaker: Susan Halabi, PhD

Today’s clinical trials are increasingly complex, necessitating innovative statistical evaluation and testing strategies. As trials confront rising costs, limited budgets, and challenges in patient enrollment, it is crucial to develop novel designs that can expedite confirmatory studies while reflecting patient heterogeneity. New methodologies are essential for identifying optimal treatment approaches and discerning which subgroups of patients are most likely to benefit from—or experience harm due to—specific therapies.

To address these challenges, the integration of real-world evidence (RWE) has emerged as a vital complement to traditional clinical trials. Bayesian methods that utilize historical controls can enhance trial designs, particularly in rare diseases and pediatric populations. Additionally, sequential multiple assignment randomized trials (SMART) enable dynamic treatment adjustments based on individual responses. Furthermore, platform trials and biomarker-driven designs allow for more flexible and targeted approaches, optimizing treatment selection based on individual patient characteristics.

Enhancing diversity in clinical trials is essential ensuring that underrepresented populations have access to innovative therapies. Looking ahead, the clinical trial landscape is poised for transformative changes driven by advancements in precision medicine, artificial intelligence, and RWE integration. The shift from traditional, one-size-fits-all designs to adaptive and platform trials promises to improve patient outcomes while enhancing trial efficiency. Ultimately, this evolving landscape will be more dynamic, inclusive, and capable of swiftly translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice.

Utilizing Data to Make Advancements for Cancer

Speaker: Jill Barnholtz-Sloan, PhD

Data is everywhere and data sharing is now required by many funding agencies and journals. Large-scale, multi-modal datasets have been utilized and continue to be utilized to make advancements for all human health, including cancer. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides access to data resources from many large NCI funded studies. In addition, cloud compute workspaces and analytical workflows are also available. These resources from the NCI will be described as well as paths to access them. In addition, scientific exemplars using these data and other datasets for cancer will also be presented.

Statistical Leadership in Advancing Innovation in Drug Development

Speaker: Kannan Natarajan, PhD

With the growing challenges associated with need for new pharmaceutical medicines for patients with unmet medical needs, statistical leadership plays an important role in transforming the traditional paradigm of drug discovery and development. Accordingly, statisticians and data scientists are now spearheading innovation across the drug development continuum, with notable impact and influence. In this talk we will highlight the significance of statistical leadership, with special reference to important developments, including use of Bayesian methods, advanced data analytics and technology, use of multiple data sources, and the criticality of enhancing collaboration among stakeholders.

Participation

Registration

Registration is open! Click this link to register.

Venue

UTHealth Houston School of Public Health
Reuel A. Stallones Building
1200 Pressler Street
Houston, TX 77030

Parking

For those driving to the venue, we recommend either parking immediately in front of the venue or parking at the Pickens Tower Parking Garage at 11600 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030

Hotels

Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center

UThealth has partnered with Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center for the conference and arranged exclusive discounted rates. Rooms will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

After you register, you will be sent a special reservation link for the Hilton. If you make your reservation through that link, you will be given a special rate if rooms remain available.

They are located at 6633 Travis St, Houston, TX 77030.

Blossom Hotel Houston

If Hilton has no vacancies, Blossom Hotel is another excellent choice. It is within easy walking distance of the venue. Those booking with Blossom will have to make their own reservations through their website, as there is no discounted rate.

It is located at 7118 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030.

Sponsorship

Awards

Coming Soon

Contact Us

Scott Dyson
[email protected]