How can you stay up-to-date with biostatistics and epidemiology trends?

1 Subscribe to journals and newsletters

One of the most effective ways to stay informed about the current research and practice in biostatistics and epidemiology is to subscribe to relevant journals and newsletters. Journals such as Biometrics, Statistics in Medicine, Epidemiology, and American Journal of Epidemiology publish peer-reviewed articles that showcase the latest findings, methods, and applications in the field. Newsletters such as Biostatistics News, Epidemiology Monitor, and Epi News provide summaries, updates, and announcements on topics of interest to biostatisticians and epidemiologists. You can also set up alerts and feeds to receive notifications when new articles or issues are published.

2 Join online communities and networks

Another way to stay connected and engaged with the biostatistics and epidemiology trends is to join online communities and networks that facilitate discussions, collaborations, and learning opportunities. Online platforms such as Biostars, Epi Info, and OpenEpi allow you to ask questions, share insights, and access resources related to biostatistics and epidemiology. You can also join social media groups, forums, and blogs that focus on specific topics or domains within the field, such as clinical trials, infectious diseases, or public health. By participating in these online communities and networks, you can learn from the experiences and perspectives of other biostatisticians and epidemiologists, and expand your professional network.

3 Attend webinars and courses

A third way to stay up-to-date with the biostatistics and epidemiology trends is to attend webinars and courses that offer training, education, and certification in the field. Webinars are online seminars that cover various topics and issues related to biostatistics and epidemiology, such as new techniques, software, or applications. They are usually free or low-cost, and often feature experts and leaders in the field. You can find webinars offered by organizations such as the International Biometric Society, the Society for Epidemiologic Research, and the World Health Organization. Courses are online or offline classes that teach you the fundamentals or advanced skills in biostatistics and epidemiology. They can range from short modules to full degrees, and can be taken for personal or professional development. You can find courses offered by universities, institutes, or online platforms such as Coursera, edX, or Udemy.

4 Read books and blogs

A fourth way to stay up-to-date with the biostatistics and epidemiology trends is to read books and blogs that provide comprehensive, in-depth, and accessible information and analysis on the field. Books are valuable sources of knowledge and reference that cover the theory, practice, and history of biostatistics and epidemiology. Some examples of books that you can read are Biostatistics: The Bare Essentials, Modern Epidemiology, and The Art of Statistics. Blogs are informal and interactive sources of commentary and opinion that reflect the current trends and challenges in biostatistics and epidemiology. Some examples of blogs that you can follow are Simply Statistics, Statistical Thinking, and Epi Ren.

5 Follow podcasts and videos

A fifth way to stay up-to-date with the biostatistics and epidemiology trends is to follow podcasts and videos that offer entertaining, informative, and inspiring content on the field. Podcasts are audio programs that you can listen to on your phone, computer, or other devices. They usually feature interviews, discussions, or stories related to biostatistics and epidemiology. Some examples of podcasts that you can listen to are The Incidental Economist, Casual Inference, and Epidemiology Counts. Videos are visual programs that you can watch on your screen, either live or recorded. They usually showcase demonstrations, tutorials, or lectures related to biostatistics and epidemiology. Some examples of videos that you can watch are Biostatistics Lectures, Epidemiology in Action, and TEDx Talks.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?