Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics
The Centre for Epidemiology & Biostatistics is a dynamic centre of research excellence drawing on complementary expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics and laboratory science with researchers from the Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine (LIMM) and the Leeds Institute of Genetics, Health and Therapeutics (LIGHT). Research spans the elucidation of disease mechanisms, understanding of disease aetiology through to public health measures and health care delivery. The Head of the Centre is the Faculty for Medicine and Health Sub-Dean for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Professor Tricia McKinney.
This multidisciplinary grouping includes:
- the Division of Biostatistics
- the Cancer Epidemiology Group
- the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Group
- the Molecular Epidemiology Unit
- the Nutritional Epidemiology Group
- the Obstetrics Epidemiology Unit
- the Paediatric Epidemiology Group
- the Division of Reproduction & Early Development Research
- the Colorectal Cancer Genetic Epidemiology Group
- the Melanoma Epidemiology Group
- the Statistical Genetics Group
Over 100 staff are employed throughout the Centre.
The Centre conducts many large scale multi-centre population and clinical-based studies as well as performing research into public health, health services and health policy. In terms of aetiologic research there is particular emphasis on understanding the role of environmental exposures, genetic susceptibility and the joint effects of gene and environment in chronic diseases, including cancer and diabetes in both children and adults.
The Centre receives funding from research councils, charities, UK government and overseas agencies including the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome Trust, Candlelighters, British Diabetic Association, Yorkshire Cancer Research, British Heart Foundation, World Cancer Research Fund, Food Standards Agency, Department of Health, NHS, European Union and the NIH and NIEHS USA.
The Centre contributes to medical undergraduate teaching in statistics, epidemiology and public health as well as making a major contribution to the intercalated BSc in Clinical Sciences; the Centre has a range of students in postgraduate training, for example PhD and MD students supported by external fellowships and awards; and the Biostatistics Unit in the Centre contributes significantly to the Leeds' Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research.
The Centre runs an annual Short Course in Molecular Epidemiology as well as an MSc in Nutrition, Obesity & Health, and will be commencing an MSc in Statistical Epidemiology very shortly.