There will be a number of one day and half-day courses and workshops held on Monday 7 September prior to the opening of the main conference on Tuesday 8 September.
One-day courses
How to display data
Presented by Stephen Walters (University of Sheffield)
Well-displayed data can clearly illuminate and enhance the interpretation of an article or talk, while badly laid out data and results can obscure the message or at worst seriously mislead. The purpose of this course is to give clear guidelines on appropriate methods for displaying quantitative information using both graphs and tables.
Introduction to genetic epidemiology
Presented by Frank Dudbridge, Heather Cordell, Dawn Teare, David Balding
Genetic epidemiology aims to identify genes that influence disease risk, to quantify their effects and characterise their action. This introductory course gives an overview of statistical methods currently used in genetic epidemiology. These range from identifying a genetic component of disease risk, to the analysis of a genome-wide scan for association.
Young statisticians training day
The theme for the day will be 'Influential papers: writing, reviewing and presenting'.
Within this workshop we hope to aid the professional development of career-young statisticians by focusing on paper-writing and presentation skills as well as learning about the journal paper review process. We will also be looking at how statistical papers are received and interpreted by the public, with both positive and negative examples!
The draft programme of talks is now available.
Afternoon courses/workshops
Government initiatives in data sharing
Presented by Duncan McNiven, Andy Teague, Mary Sweetland (General Registrar Scotland, ONS & ISD Scotland)
Data sharing and access to administrative statistics is a key tenet of Better Government policies. Many government departments are making available data for analysis by external statisticians and researchers - under appropriate disclosure controls. This short course will summarise the context and legislative arrangements being put in place, and give examples of how access can be achieved and what can be done.
Introduction to working with the media
Presented by Andrew Garratt (Royal Statistical Society)
This workshop introduces how the media works and how you can make the most of it. Through case studies and practical hands-on examples you will learn how to write a press release and how to target journalists effectively. You will also learn some basic interview techniques and try them out in a mock interview.
