The ASTN Executive and Research Committees link investigators to expertise in health economics, biostatistics and genetics as part of the assistance they provide for the development of clinical trials protocols.

Health economics

Dr Duncan Mortimer and consortium partners

With over ten years experience conducting applied health econometric and economic evaluation projects, Duncan has appointments at Monash University's Centre for Health Economics and the University of South Australia, and collaborative associations with the Australasian Cochrane Centre, Monash University's Centre for Clinical Effectiveness and the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth. Find out more about the expertise of Duncan's consultancy.

Biostatistics

Dr Wei Xuan and the Woolcock biostatistical consulting team

With a background in mathematics and statistics, Senior Biostatistician Wei Xuan's methodological experience in study design and data analyses has been developed through involvement in clinical and epidemiology research studies during his 10 years at the Woolcock Institute. Wei has also provided statistical consulting for collaborating groups at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the University of Sydney. He is the author of 22 peer-reviewed journal articles, co-author of a book on quantitative research methods and a reviewer for leading international journals.
To bring a mix of skills and experience in biostatistics, epidemiology, clinical trials, and clinical sleep and respiratory medicine, the Woolcock biostatistical consulting team also includes Dr Keith Wong and Prof Guy Marks.

Genomic analyses

Professor Lyle Palmer the University of Western Australia's Centre for Genetic Epidemiology and Biostatistics

The ASTN provides infrastructure for banking genetic material through the expertise and facilities of ASTN Chief Investigator Professor Lyle Palmer and his team at the University of Western Australia's Centre for Genetic Epidemiology and Biostatistics, (www.genepi.org.au). Lyle's group, which leads a number of NHMRC-funded national enabling facilities, can advise trials researchers on the utility and logistics of collecting genetic material in a proposed trial. They can also help with procedures for collecting, banking and tracking samples, model patient information and consent forms, and standardised minimum data which should accompany specimens and entry to metadata files.

To find out more about ASTN infrastructure for clinical trial development, contact Dr Melanie Harris, ASTN National Research Manager melanie.harris@sleeptrials.net.