The Effective Statistician - in association with PSI

When should we move beyond Excel for health technology assessment? I sit down with Dr Robert Smith to explore why increasingly complex health economic models call for a different approach—and how R can help. We discuss the challenges of reviewing large spreadsheets, R’s strengths for simulation modelling, and how the R for HTA community shares tools and knowledge. Robert also explains how generative AI speeds up coding while making domain expertise, clear problem definition, and human judgement even more valuable. We close with practical ways to learn, contribute, and get involved in open-source work.

How can we make sure our analyses lead to action? I’m joined by Dr. Annika Bergbauer, economist, IT management consultant, and host of Datenaffaire, to explore how we can put people at the centre of data-driven decisions. We discuss stakeholder engagement, clear communication, and the human skills that help us turn technical work into practical impact.

How can statisticians improve dose decisions and drive innovation in their everyday work? I speak with Marie-Karelle Rivière and Anaïs Andrillon from Saryga about Project Optimus, their approach to dose optimization, and what it takes to turn challenging questions into meaningful research.

What helps us build a fulfilling career in statistics beyond technical expertise? In this episode, I speak with Godwin Yung, who leads the Statistical Methodology group at Roche–Genentech, about lessons from his first decade in the pharmaceutical industry. We explore three themes from his career reflections: finding purpose, listening to understand, and learning from mentors. Godwin shares the personal stories behind these lessons, from persevering through a difficult publication journey to discovering leadership strengths he once took for granted. Together, we discuss how we can contribute more effectively at work while making room for the people who matter most.

How do we generate evidence that supports regulatory approval, patient access, and better care? In this episode, I talk with Gorana Capkun from Merck Healthcare, where she leads the patient-focused and real-world evidence team. We explore how integrated evidence planning brings together clinical trials, real-world evidence, and patient perspectives across the product life cycle. Gorana explains why planning should begin early, how collaboration helps teams identify evidence gaps, and why statisticians play a critical role in turning broad requests into precise research questions.