Consulting
On this page you will find
- how to contact BiometricsSA.
- why you should consult with BiometricsSA,
- where we can help and collaborations,
- our protocol for consultations and quick advice,
- what we charge,
- what you can expect from BiometricsSA,
- what we expect from our clients, and
How to contact BiometricsSA
Phone: +61 8 8303 6798,
Fax: +61 8 8303 6761, or
Email: enquiries.
Why consult BiometricsSA?
Effective statistical analysis requires a sound knowledge of statistical theory as well as experience in its application. BiometricsSA staff are qualified biometricians who have been trained in the correct and appropriate use of statistical methods. Staff maintain regular contact with biometricians and statisticians throughout the world, keep abreast of new developments in biometrical theory and statistical computing, and are involved in the development of new methods.
Consulting with BiometricsSA from the beginning of the project will result in a well designed study that will save time and money, will maximise the information obtained, and will enable deadlines to be met.
At BiometricsSA we:
- Help with statistical aspects of designing experiments and surveys
- Provide advice and assistance in data handling, data description and graphical display
- Advise and assist researchers on methodology for analysing their own data
- For complex situations, develop statistical models, and carry out statistical analyses
- Advise and assist researchers on interpretation, discussion, reporting and presentation of results
- Provide introductory, refresher and advanced courses in biometrical methods and statistical computation
Collaboration
Our aim is to work with you, providing the best possible design and analysis for your project. Our contribution to your work should be appropriately recognised, either by involving BiometricsSA staff as co-authors of published papers, or by acknowledgment in any paper where assistance has been given.
'Quick' Advice
Advice will not ordinarily be given over the phone or by e-mail. In our experience, a 'quick' question often masks a complex problem, requiring a consultation for discussion of all the issues.
Protocol
As the demand for statistical consulting is high, appointments should be made at least a week in advance. Each consultation for SARDI staff, Faculty of Sciences staff and students is usually limited to one hour, while external consulation will be scheduled as required.
Priority will be given to projects where the statistician is involved in all stages of the research.
All new research students (including Honours students) are requested to bring their supervisor(s) to the first consultation.
Where, as occasionally happens, conflicting advice on statistical matters is received from other sources, the matter should be resolved by discussion between all parties.
We are committed to finding the most appropriate solution for the problem at hand.
What do we charge?
SARDI and Faculty of Sciences staff and students
Initial consultations on new projects are not charged. The design and analysis of projects are charged at a rate agreed to by both parties, and quotations will be issued for all work. The cost can be based on an hourly rate or a flat fee. This is negotiable.
Our fundamental desire is to ensure the highest quality consulting and collaboration within budget constraints. We encourage all researchers applying for funding to include a budget line for biometrical or statistical support to ensure that statistical aspects of the research can be conpleted.
External clients
Quotations for our services will be provided in writing. Contracts for consulting services are handled by Adelaide Research and Innovation, the Consulting Company of the University of Adelaide. Our charges are competitive and are based on the requirement for equality with the commercial sector.
What clients can expect from BiometricsSA
In every consultation and/or collaboration, the staff of BiometricsSA will provide high quality biometrical services in the research effort of staff and students. Our aim is to contribute to the success of each project by optimising resources and ensuring that the data collected answer the substantive scientific questions.
To this end BiometricsSA undertakes:
- conscientious attention to your problem;
- meeting agreed deadlines (note however that if our workload is particularly high at the time of your request, your timeline may not match what we can deliver);
- an efficient design for your experiment or survey given the resources available;
- an appropriate analysis of the data, using modern methods whenever possible;
- an interpretation of the analysis, either through notes or a formal consulting report; and
- to provide advice and participate in the writing of papers and reports.
What BiometricsSA expects from clients
BiometricsSA expects that you will:
- consider the staff performing the biometrical aspects as collaborators in your research. To achieve the best results it is important that the aim(s) and objectives of the research are clearly explained (preferably with written notes) and that you take time to explain fundamental details of the study;
- acknowledge the work of BiometricsSA by either including the BiometricsSA staff involved as co-authors of paper(s), if their contribution is through substantial design and/or analysis, or in an acknowledgment in any paper where help has been given (but is of a minor nature in relation to the paper);
- understand that BiometricsSA staff are bound by a code of conduct (in line with the Statistical Society of Australia code of conduct). Therefore we ask that if BiometricsSA staff are co-authors or acknowledged in a paper, a copy of the paper be given to the staff concerned for internal review prior to submission for publication and for our internal records;
- see BiometricsSA as a vital part of future research proposals, recognising that our involvement will enhance your research. In particular, where appropriate, a budget line for BiometricsSA services should be included in new research proposals to cover the costs associated with design and/or analysis.