Integrating Biomarkers Into Population-Based Research

Instructor(s): Nancy Dole, Carolina Population Center, Epidemiology, University of North Carolina; Andrew Olshan, Epidemiology, University of North Carolina

This course will introduce participants to theoretical issues and practical concerns involving the collection and analysis of biological specimens (biomarkers), along with strategies for incorporating them into interdisciplinary research that may involve social scientists, epidemiologists, and biomedical researchers and their associated research frameworks. Specific course topics include: developing hypotheses and research objectives that require biomarkers; concepts of study design and interdisciplinary research; identifying collaborators, selecting labs, and ensuring high quality data from biomarkers; protocols for sample collection, processing, storage, and specimen management; ethical issues unique to biomarkers; assessing the costs of including biomarkers in a study; special requirements of collecting biomarkers in an international setting; emerging techniques for biomarker assessment; and statistical methods for the analysis of biomarker data. Course presentations will use examples drawn from case studies, and the class will visit local laboratories. Course exercises will be aimed at generating hypotheses, research objectives, and protocols for biomarker data. The target audience is population research professionals who are interested in gaining practical knowledge on how to integrate biomarkers into their own research.

Dates: June 2-6

Location: Chapel Hill, NC; Co-sponsored by the Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Fees:  Member: none;  Nonmember: none

Applications must include a vita and cover letter summarizing research interests, course objectives, and experience. Application materials are due by 2008-04-07.

Note(s): Applications should include a vita as well as a statement (no longer than three pages) describing the reasons for their interest in attending this course, prior experience with biomarkers (if any, which ones and in what context), and any plans for research involving biomarkers (e.g., general design of the study and which biomarkers). Applications can also include a request for travel support. If a request is included, the application should explain why the travel support is necessary for attending the workshop. Supporting materials should be uploaded to the Summer Program Portal.

Last Updated: 2008-04-09