What is Biostatistics?

Biostatistics is the application of statistical techniques to scientific research in health-related fields, including medicine, biology, and public health, and the development of new tools to study these areas.

Statistical techniques are used in studies such as identifying the causes of diseases and injuries, evaluating public health programs to determine what works best in solving health problems, and designing mathematical models that describe the progression of diseases in populations.

Biostatisticians collaborate with practitioners and researchers in clinical and public health and with local, state, and national health institutions. Biostatisticians also advise public health officials at the local, regional and national levels.

Biostatisticians find employment in various types of organizations and settings, including local and state health departments, with the federal government such as at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other divisions in the Department of Health and Human Services, and in academic settings, industry such as pharmaceutical companies, and health care providers including hospitals and managed care organizations.