Designing, managing, analysing, and interpreting data in health research studies
Griffith Biostatistics Unit (GBU) staff are expert at designing, managing, analysing, and interpreting data in health research studies. Maintaining the highest quality standards in health research involving human participants is essential, and design and statistical methods play a vital role in ensuring the validity and reliability of study results.
Given its significance, our work has far-reaching implications in clinical, public health, and health service research areas. Our researchers take a proactive approach to advancing the field through both methodological and applied research, while also collaborating with many clinical and biomedical investigators at Griffith University and Gold Coast University Hospital to advance cutting-edge findings.
Reflections
Reflections on Data Management: Holding the Line Between Chaos and Clarity
Data are not just numbers. They are the raw material of decisions. Anonymous
Data management is often invisible until something goes wrong. But in clinical research, it's the difference between noise and knowledge. Between evidence that’s trustworthy, and results that fall apart under scrutiny.
At its core, data management is about building and maintaining the infrastructure that allows a clinical trial or study to function with precision. From case report form design to database lock, data managers are responsible for capturing patient data in a way that is consistent, complete, and meaningful. They ensure that what’s collected reflects what happened.
This isn’t just a technical task. It’s a continuous process of quality control, communication, and foresight. It’s about understanding protocols deeply enough to anticipate data issues before they arise. It’s about guiding teams through the inevitable complications of missed visits, protocol deviations, system hiccups; without compromising integrity.
In 2026, clinical trials are more complex than ever. Real-world data, decentralised models, wearable devices, and multi-country collaborations all introduce layers of risk. In this environment, data managers have become central figures, not only in compliance but in study success. They are the quiet experts who design systems that scale, adapt, and hold up under pressure.
But beyond systems and SOPs, data management is about respecting the story behind the numbers. Every field in the database represents a patient who showed up, a clinician who made a judgment call, a team that tried to get it right. Data managers make sure those stories aren’t lost in translation.
Looking ahead, automation and AI will continue to reshape the data landscape. But the principles remain the same: rigour, clarity, and accountability. Good data doesn’t just happen, it’s built, nurtured, and protected by people who understand its value.
Reflections, January-February 2026
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What we do
Research
We lead our own research programs and collaborate both within Griffith and externally to enable the delivery of high-quality research. We work with a wide variety of partners and undertake a wide variety of research activities, including partnering on large grant applications, leading methodological research, and advising on and conducting the data management and analysis phases of research projects.
Education
We provide a series of research training activities, including seminars and short courses in our expert areas. We provide supervision and mentoring to early career researchers, and have extensive experience supervising higher degree research students who either want to undertake methodological work, or who could benefit from specific quantitative expertise.
ConsultancyWe have extensive experience providing support to large and small projects. We have experience partnering with academic and commercial organisations, and can advise on all stages of the research journey, from study design to data collection to analysis and presentation. When partnering with the GBU team, health researchers will receive expert guidance and consultancy services based on rigorous, evidence-based approaches. |
Our strengths
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Our strengths define us as a cohesive and accomplished team, setting the foundation for our exceptional capabilities. With a team of dedicated professionals and academics at our core, we consistently showcase impressive expertise in addressing intricate challenges head-on. We seamlessly integrate various disciplines, including biostatistics, bioinformatics, data management, and epidemiology, to establish ourselves as a driving force in contemporary health research. Our collaborative approach fuels synergies that lead to pioneering insights, while our adept use of advanced computational techniques propels us toward innovative solutions that push the boundaries of health science. Our unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes through rigorous research, insightful data analysis, and methodologies rooted in robust research practices underscores our determination to make a tangible impact in the field. By merging Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Data Management, we emphasize the pursuit of top-tier research, leaving a lasting imprint on the trajectory of health advancements. Our strengths encompass not only our skill set but also our resolute pursuit of excellence, solidifying our role in shaping a healthier future for all.
Research team
Professor Robert Ware
Professor Ware is a biostatistician and clinical epidemiologist who has worked as an academic biostatistician for more than 20-years. He has extensive experience working with clinical colleagues on both randomised trials and cohort studies and has developed an extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of the design, conduct and analysis of both observational and experimental studies. Robert has led the Biostatistics team at Griffith since 2016.
Professor Angus Ng
Professor Ng is an experienced biostatistician, with expertise in statistical modelling and computation, image analysis, machine learning, and survival analysis. In the field of mixture model-based cluster analysis he has pioneered the theoretical development of random-effects models for the analysis of complex heterogeneous and correlated data. Angus is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Statistical Computation and Simulation and a member of the ARC College of Experts.
Dr Ping Zhang
Dr Zhang is a health informatician and bioinformatician. Ping’s passion is utilising data analysis and computational modelling to get the maximum value from complex real-world data. She has developed computational modelling techniques and applied them to various health related research, such as diagnosis of cancers, influenza, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, prediction of progression of Alzheimer’s, vaccine target identification and vaccine scheduling optimisation.
Dr Diana Hermith-Ramirez
Dr Hermith-Ramirez is a Senior Clinical Researcher and Data Manager with expertise in biostatistics, bioinformatics, and data science.
She supports NHMRC and MRFF-funded clinical trials and manages the Griffith Randomisation Service. Her background spans molecular biology, computer science, and advanced analytics. She also maintains the Griffith Biostatistics Unit website and contributes to translational health research.
Ms Lyn McPherson
With a background in librarianship, Lyn McPherson worked as a research assistant in cancer prevention research. After managing a large NHMRC funded RCT she became research coordinator of the Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability. She has expertise in all stages of the research process from literature review and project design to publication. She has worked at Griffith University part-time since February 2018.
Dr Asmaa El-Heneidy
Dr El-Heneidy is a Research Fellow in Biostatistics. Her PhD studies were focused on Infectious Disease epidemiology. These applied interests reflect her passion for understanding the transmission dynamics, risk factors, and prevention strategies associated with these specific health concerns. By conducting research in these areas, Asmaa contributes valuable insights to the development of effective interventions and evidence-based policies.
Dr Brett Dyer
Dr Brett Dyer is a biostatistics research fellow whose research has focused on longitudinal observational epidemiology methods and applied research, with a thorough understanding in these fields. His main passion is for causal inference (especially causal mediation analysis), prediction/prognosis research, and meta-analysis. Brett has also gained experience in analysing electronic health records, survival analysis, joint modelling of longitudinal and time-to-event data, and many other statistical methods.
Dr Mari Takashima
Dr Mari Takashima is a nurse researcher, certified health informatician (CHIA), and early career epidemiologist /applied biostatistician. Inspired by Florence Nightingale's use of statistics to improve health outcomes, she's passionate about enhancing patient care through robust methodology and data analytics skills. Mari's research interests include paediatric respiratory infections, vascular access, nursing education, research methodologies, clinical trials, meta-analysis, and causal inference methods.
Dr Hasitha Kuruwita
Dr Hasitha Kuruwita is an early career researcher in computational modelling, with a focus on applying artificial intelligence methods in healthcare. Her research centres on big data analytics and the development of machine learning models to support clinical decision-making. She completed an industrial Ph.D. under the supervision of Dr Ping Zhang, where she developed predictive models for intensive care outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury.
Dr Ajeevan Gautam
Ajeevan Gautam has seven years of experience as a clinical anatomist and medical doctor. He is currently enrolled as a full-time PhD student under the supervision of Prof Angus Ng. His PhD Thesis focuses on optimising analytical methods when investigating clinical and interventional techniques in the field of cardiovascular medicine. Ajeevan is committed to having a positive influence on medical research and health. Ajeevan has worked internationally as a clinician and biostatistician.
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Ms Nazneen Sultana
Nazneen Sultana is an early-career biostatistician who is currently undertaking a PhD focusing on healthcare in mass gathering events. Nazneen’s PhD study is within the School of Nursing and Midwifery where she is under the supervision of A/Prof Jamie Ranse, Prof. Julia Crilly and Prof. Robert Ware. With an education background in statistics, her research interests include statistical modelling, missing data analysis, and time series modelling.
Dr Morgan Dutton
Dr Morgan Dutton has a background in laboratory-based biomedical science and has completed research in the fields of stem cells, paediatric burns, proteomics and saliva analysis. She also has experience in clinical research coordination. She has recently joined the team as a data manager, in collaboration with the Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre. She has particular interest in database creation, optimising efficiency of data collection and data management.
Mrs Emily Young
Emily Young has a BHthSc and completed her Masters in Epidemiology while working as a biostatistican for Professor Ware. She has been the biostatistician for two large NHMRC funded clinical studies: one birth cohort study and one stepped-wedge randomised trial. Emily has developed methodological and practical expertise in the design and analysis of experimental and observational data. Having recently resigned from the Griffith Biostatistics Unit, she continues in an adjunct position.
Dr Philip Jones
Philip Jones is an emergency medicine physician and biostatistician who currently works at Logan Hospital. As well as his clinical work, Philip undertakes biostatical analysis with emergency department colleagues from the Gold Coast University and Logan Hopitals. Philip recently graduated with an M.Biostat, degree from UQ, and has ongoing collaborations with the COVERED COVID research program and multiple ultrasound research studies through the Sonar Group
Dr Iresha Udayamalee
Iresha Udayamalee is a dental surgeon with more than 17 years’ experience who has Master's and MD degrees in Dental Public Health. She is a research fellow at the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University and her passion for big data analysis and computational modelling led her to pursue her PhD in Artificial intelligence-mediated personalized treatment planning for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in which she is currently enrolled under the primary supervision of Dr Ping Zhang.
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Mrs Nikki Fozzard
Nikki Fozzard is a biostatistician who has worked at Griffith University since 2012. She has a background in biomedical science, particularly in molecular biology and genetics. Nikki completed her Master of Biostatistics in 2021 and is currently pursuing a PhD under the supervision of Professor Robert Ware. Nikki has a full-time role as an academic in the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences as a lecturer in undergraduate biostatistics, where she has received awards for her innovative teaching.
Ms Laura McCosker
Laura McCosker is an early career researcher in public health. Laura has a background in nursing, and as well as being enrolled in her PhD is completing an MPH through UNSW. Laura has a passion for improving health outcomes for at-risk, hard-to-reach populations. Her PhD focuses on vaccination delivery in people experiencing homelessness. As part of her studies Laura has conducted RCTs testing different strategies to improve vaccination uptake in this hard to reach population.
Dr Adenike Soogun
Dr Adenike Soogun completed her PhD in Statistics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Adenike is an Adjunct Research Fellow at Griffith University. She has expertise in statistical modelling, data analysis of complex data, teaching and research supervision across multidisciplinary areas. Her research interests include Bayesian spatial modelling, survival analysis, machine learning, predictive and copula modelling. Adenike has over 10 years’ experience in research and teaching.
Sameen Fatima Ansari
Sameen Ansari has a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and an MPhil in Pharmacology. Her professional journey includes working as a Research Associate on an HEC NRPU project, gaining valuable experience in the pharmaceutical industry, and a short-term lectureship in Pharmacy College. Currently, Sameen is pursuing a PhD in the Biostatistics unit, where her field of interest is the epidemiology of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Queensland infants.
Prof Nicolas Smoll
Nicolas Smoll is a Public Health Physician at Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service. He holds a PhD in epidemiology, biostatistics, and machine learning from the University of Melbourne. As a Moderna Global Research fellow, his expertise spans COVID-19, RSV, Influenza and other infectious diseases. He transforms public health units into academic centres, bridging raw data and policy decisions. Currently, he's developing a real-time vaccine epidemiology surveillance system in collaboration with Industry and Queensland Health partners.
Ms Anna Crothers
Anna Crothers is a health economist and biostatistician with over ten years of experience in health economics, biostatistics, and epidemiology. She holds a Master of Health Economics (Advanced) and is currently undertaking a PhD on Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Queensland infants under the supervision of Professor Robert Ware. Anna has served as an evaluator for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) and the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) for eight years.
Mr Tung Doan
Tung Doan is an early-career researcher in the field of statistical modelling and computational methods. He has a background in applied mathematics, particularly in numerical analysis. Additionally, he has several years of professional experience in machine learning and data science. He is currently pursuing a PhD under the supervision of Professor Angus Ng. His PhD study focuses on the development of new methods for cluster analysis on data with structured dependence.
Publications
Highlights
Ullman, A. J., D. August, T. M. Kleidon, R. M. Walker, N. Marsh, A. C. Bulmer, … P. N. A. Harris and R. S. Ware (2025). A Comparison of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Materials. New England Journal of Medicine 392(2): 161-172.
A multicentre RCT showed that when peripherally inserted central catheters were inserted, the risk of device failure was not lower with hydrophobic or chlorhexidine catheters than with standard polyurethane catheters. Prof Ware was Senior Author.
Ng, S. K., P. Baade, G. Wittert, A. K. Lam, P. Zhang, S. Henderson, B. Goodwin and J. F. Aitken (2025). "Sex differences in the impact of multimorbidity on long-term mortality for patients with colorectal cancer: a population registry-based cohort study." Journal of Public Health (Oxf). 47(2): 132-143.
This paper uses flexible parametric survival models with restricted cubic spline functions to assess sex differences in the impact of multimorbidity on long-term mortality and cause-specific mortality for patients with colorectal cancer. Prof Ng was the Lead Author.
Snelling, P. J., P. Jones, D. Bade, R. Bindra, J. Byrnes, M. Davison, S. George, M. Moore, G. Keijzers and R. S. Ware (2023). Ultrasonography or Radiography for Suspected Pediatric Distal Forearm Fractures. New England Journal of Medicine 388(22): 2049-2057.
A multicentre RCT showed that, in children presenting to an emergency department with a suspected upper arm fracture, initial diagnosis with ultrasound was non-inferior to X-ray in terms of physical function 4-weeks after injury. Prof Ware was Senior Author.
J Xiang, J., H. Xu, S. Pokharel, J. Li, F. Xue and P. Zhang. (2022). Building a knowledge base for colorectal cancer patient care using formal concept analysis. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making 21(Suppl 11): 369.
A hierarchical clustering method was used to build a knowledge base with a population of colorectal cancer patients, from which the information retrieved can be used for treatment planning recommendations towards personalised medicine. Dr Zhang was Senior Author.
El-Heneidy, A., R. S. Ware, S. B. Lambert and K. Grimwood (2022). Sapovirus infections in an Australian community-based healthy birth cohort during the first 2-years of life. Clinical Infectious Diseases 76(6):1043-49.
The epidemiology of sapovirus infections in a high-income country is described using community-based birth cohort data. Sapovirus infections are common in Australian children under 2-years of age. Dr El-Heneidy was First Author.
Dyer, B. P. (2025). "Variable selection for causal inference, prediction, and descriptive research: a narrative review of recommendations." European Heart Journal Open 5(3): oeaf070.
This article summarises background theory and existing advice on how variable selection should differ for causal research, prediction modelling, predictor/prognostic factor research, and descriptive research. Dr Dyer was the Sole Author.
Takashima M. D, Y Ezure, A. J. Ullman and R. S. Ware. (2024). Methodological Progress Note: Choosing analytic methods for randomized trials. Journal of Hospital Medicine 19(4): 312-315.
This methodological paper examines how the target audience, and the value they place on information, should guide choice of whether intention-to-treat or per protocol findings are presented in RCTs. Dr Takashima was First Author.
Innovative Services and Partnerships
Griffith University's Clinical Trial Unit provides state-of-the-art facilities and professional coordination services for phase I-IV clinical trials. We conduct a wide range of investigator-initiated trials across various therapeutic areas including infectious diseases, respiratory and neurological diseases.
The Griffith Randomisation Service provides automated centralised randomisation for research studies, overseen by experienced statisticians, researchers, and with the support of Griffith Information Services. The randomisation service is available for university trialists working in the academic, healthcare and industry sectors.
At the forefront of an evolving healthcare system, the Centre for Applied Health Economics (CAHE) conducts multidisciplinary research, including health economics, health services research, implementation science, and biostatistics. Our work delivers leading advice with significant policy impact. We employ innovative methods and analysis to address complex problems, providing economic and health benefits. The evidence we produce influences health policy and practice, translating into real-world improvements globally. We also contribute to the development of health systems and share knowledge and skills in health technology assessment with other countries.
Through leadership and innovation in teaching, research and community engagement, Griffith Health helps to create sustained improvement in health and healthcare for local, national and international communities. Our degrees provide students with the theoretical guidance and practical experience necessary to ensure their success as they transition into the next generation of health professionals.