Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design (BERD) Resource

Welcome to the BERD Resource

The Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) Resource integrates biostatistics, epidemiology and research design services within the Mayo Clinic Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCaTS) and nationally throughout the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Consortium.

The BERD Resource offers an open door to Mayo Clinic investigators seeking guidance and advice on general biostatistical, epidemiological and research design considerations. The unit traces its origins to the 1990s when it started as the Center for Patient-Oriented Research. In 1999, a new vision that aligned with the national CTSA mechanism was created.

The change allowed us to evolve into a singular unit focused on providing comprehensive support in biostatistics, epidemiology and research design. Going forward, we look to further integrate data science and artificial intelligence into our BERD unit and clinical and translational research.

Our mission and vision

Our mission is to advance clinical and translational science by integrating biostatistics, epidemiology and research design throughout the research process. We are committed to offering accessible consultative resources, educational opportunities, and developing new methodologies and tools that drive innovation and rigor in research.

What we offer

The BERD Resource offers expert consultation in biostatistics, epidemiology and research design, supporting researchers from initial project planning through data analysis. Services include guidance on study design, statistical methods, population selection and protocol development, with a focus on rigorous, reproducible research. These consultative resources are available to Mayo Clinic researchers and staff at any stage of their project, helping to enhance research quality and impact.

Who we are

The BERD Resource at Mayo Clinic is led by Rickey E. Carter, Ph.D., professor of biostatistics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, in the Department of Quantitative Health Sciences. It has been under his direction since 2009.

Dr. Carter's visionary leadership and collaborative approach ensure high standards in research design and support. As a nationally recognized biostatistical expert, he balances active methodological research with a strong commitment to teaching and supporting researchers.

Highly trained and experienced master-level biostatisticians serve as the primary consultants, with faculty-level biostatisticians, epidemiologists and qualitative research methodologists available as needed.

Faculty members

Staff members

Collaborative research and impact

The BERD Resource fosters collaborative research. It has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications, innovative projects and methodological advancements. Our highlighted research demonstrates our ongoing impact on biostatistics, epidemiology and ethical research practices.

See the faculty profiles above for a listing of published work. Also, view a listing of all publications that CCaTS supports.

Acknowledgments and funding

The BERD Resource is supported in part by grant UL1 TR002377 from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.