Training a new generation of biostatisticians: A successful consortium model

Abstract

In response to the worldwide shortage of biostatisticians, Australia has established a national consortium of eight universities to develop and deliver a Masters program in biostatistics. This article describes our successful innovative multi-institutional training model, which may be of value to other countries. We first present the issues confronting the future of biostatistics in Australia, then relate our experience in establishing a new national consortium-based Masters program, and finally explore the extent to which our initiatives have addressed the current challenges of biostatistics workforce shortages. © 2009 by Judy M. Simpson, Philip Ryan, John B. Carlin, Lyle Gurrin, and Ian Marschner.