Frequently Asked Questions

What does YCAS do?: YCAS provides collaboration, services, and expertise in:

Statistical Modelling

Clinical Trials

Statistical Genetics

Genomics and Proteomics

Epidemiological Studies

Spatial Analysis

Ecological Studies

Health Economics

Health Policy

Survey Design

Exploratory Data Analysis

Big Data
Who can use the Yale Center for Analytical Sciences (YCAS)?: The services of the center are available to any researcher that needs statistical collaboration. The services are not limited to Yale University and its affiliated faculty, though Yale faculty and staff are given preferential treatment.
At what stage of my research should I contact a YCAS statistical scientist?: The Yale Center for Analytical Sciences is available for collaboration at any and all stages of your research. However, evidence indicates that if you are able to contact us in the pre-proposal stages of your investigation and closely collaborate with our analytical scientists, it will markedly improve scientific productivity.
Increased scientific productivity through analytical collaboration? How so?: Researchers have often approached us with data they have collected that is often inadequate for any statistical inference. This can be incredibly frustrating for both the investigator and for us. We want to help. By contacting our team early, we can help design a study that yields valid data and testable hypotheses. By collaborating with us throughout the research, from design to analysis, our scientists can best understand your challenges and help you produce a rigorous presentation of your findings. At times, our analytical scientists can even identify data sets that lead to secondary publications not originally envisioned by the researcher.
How do I set up an appointment?: Contact us at ycas@yale.edu.
I’m a junior researcher and my budget is very tight. I know statistical support can be very time intensive. Is there any way that you can help me?: We are committed to assisting junior researchers in any way we can. In response to this need, YCAS has established free weekly research and design clinics, every Wednesday from 12-2. One hour blocks are available on a “first-come, first-serve” basis. To schedule an appointment write to ycas@yale.edu.
Are the free weekly research and design clinics open only to junior researchers?: No. The clinics are open to the entire Yale community.
I’ve been to the free clinic. But my project requires further collaboration. I contacted your triage manager and have scheduled a consultation. What should I bring along to my first session?: It depends largely on the advice you seek. If you're looking for help with a grant proposal, send a draft of that proposal, even if it’s in an early stage of development to ycas@yale.edu. It helps to see something written, especially something that clearly articulates your working hypotheses, research goals, and expectations. In addition, send any articles or written proposals that might help us better understand your research, and what we might do to help.
I’m already way past the research and design stage. I wish I had contacted you sooner, but now all I need is analysis. Will YCAS help me analyze my data?: We will certainly do our best. Please bring along a copy of the protocol you used for gathering your data, a copy of the data itself, and any results you may have. The better your data, the better we can help you maximize its potential.