Medical Research Council (MRC) Biostatistics Unit (BSU)
The MRC BSU is one of the largest groups of biostatisticians in Europe, and a major centre for research, training and knowledge transfer in biostatistics.
We develop, apply and promote innovative statistical and data science approaches to advance biomedical science and human health" - John Whittaker, Director at the MRC BSU
We are internationally renowned for the strength of our research and successful strategy of maintaining a unique balance between statistical innovation, dissemination and engagement with making impact in biomedical and public health issues.
Our mission is to promote the development and application of innovative statistical methods in the health sciences for the improvement of health.
Our researchers:
- make inference for complex data accessible to the scientific community
- produce innovative methodology related to trial designs
- look at longitudinal and event history data
- understand the meta-analysis of clinical trials
- interpret missing data
- evidence synthesis in public health and statistical genetics and genomics
The BSU is recognised for its strength in Bayesian inference applied to biomedicine and public health.
Training
We run successful online and in-person courses in statistics on a range of topics at different levels, for statistical, clinical and other audiences.
Studying at the BSU
Our unique academic research community offers you the chance to study and research on our PhD Programme, with direct relevance to real world health problems. Many of our staff have been central to the UK and University of Cambridge response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are committed to filling the strategic skills gap in statistics identified by Professor Adrian Smith FRS in 2010.
Work with us
We offer a stimulating environment for conducting high quality research. Strong emphasis is placed on training biostatisticians of the future.
You can learn more about the jobs we have available.
Public engagement
We take part in a variety of activities which showcase the breadth of our research and communicate the importance of biostatistics in public health.
Our research themes
Our research has five main themes that respond to current scientific needs in biomedicine:
- Efficient Study Design
- Population Health
- Causal Mechanisms
- Precision Medicine
- Biostatistical Machine Learning
Each of the themes is anchored in important scientific questions arising from our key partners, questions which both motivate methodological developments and ensure their impact.
We work with leading trial centres and epidemiology groups, and public health bodies such as the UK Health Security Agency. We have developing links with major programmes in stratified medicine and in big data analytics such as Health Data Research UK and the Alan Turing Institute.
Get in touch
Visit us or contact us
Visit us
MRC Biostatistics Unit
East Forvie Building
Forvie Site
Robinson Way
Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Cambridge
CB2 0SR
Telephone: +44 (0)1223 330300
