Consultations

How to apply for a consultation

To request statistical advice, simply complete the SAS Advice Form and either:

• Click ‘SUBMIT’ (for PC users)
• Email the completed form to stathelp@imperial.ac.uk

Please note: Incomplete forms or incorrect information will delay processing.

When to seek advice

We strongly recommend seeking statistical support during the early stages of your project, ideally during the planning phase. This ensures that your study is properly designed, and that the cost of statistical advice can be factored into any grant applications. Timely consultations help prevent common design or analysis issues later in your project.

PhD students are advised to attend their first consultation with their supervisors to ensure alignment of expectations and project objectives.

What we offer

During the consultation, our expert statisticians can assist with:

• Study design and methodology
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Power calculations and sample size estimates
• Recommendations for relevant statistical references

Please note, our consultations are focused on providing statistical advice. If your analysis requires advanced methodologies, we recommend pursuing additional training in statistics. The SAS offers a range of training courses to develop your skills, from introductory to advanced levels.

Preparing for your consultation

To make the most of your consultation, please ensure you bring the following:

• Project protocol: A document outlining your study design and objectives
• Data description: A clear overview of the data to be collected or analyzed
• Relevant references: Key literature or guidelines that may inform your statistical approach, particularly for sample size calculations
• Existing data: If you have already collected data, bring it on a USB drive, prepared according to our Data Preparation Guidelines

Consultation format

Your initial consultation will typically last one hour. This meeting provides an opportunity to discuss your project in depth and outline your statistical challenges.

Please note that we do not offer statistical advice over the phone, and data should not be sent via email in place of a consultation.

Deadlines and expectations

To ensure we have adequate time to provide thorough support, please book your consultation well in advance of any project deadlines. Discuss your timeline with the consultant during the meeting to plan accordingly.

Ways to Pay for Statistical Services

We offer flexible payment options based on the level of support you require. Services can be charged on an hourly or daily basis, depending on the scope of your project.

Payment Options:

• Hourly or Daily Rate: For short-term or one-off consultations, services can be paid for at an hourly or daily rate.
• Research Project Support: If your project requires extensive data analysis or ongoing statistical support, we recommend including funds for statistical assistance in your research budget. SAS is listed as a Full Economic Cost (FEC) charged-out facility on InfoEd, allowing you to allocate resources accordingly in your grant application.

For more information on pricing and available packages, please contact us at stathelp@imperial.ac.uk or discuss payment options during your consultation.

Statistician's Contribution

For more details on co-authorship and proper recognition of contributions, please refer to our Statistician's Contribution page.

Additional contacts

For further specialized support, please refer to the following contacts based on the stage and nature of your project:

• For projects at the Design Stage:
  Contact the NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) for expert advice and guidance on study design.

• For Clinical Trials Projects (Design Stage):
  Contact Dr Claire Smith at the Imperial Clinical Trials Unit for assistance with the design and planning of clinical trials.

For further inquiries, please contact us at stathelp@imperial.ac.uk. We look forward to assisting you in your research journey.