This year, the MRC Biostatistics Unit proudly organised and hosted BAYES 2018: Bayesian Biostatistics Workshop.

BAYES was established in 2010 under the patronage of the Adolphe Quetelet Society, to promote use of applied Bayesian Biostatistics in life sciences, pharmaceutical research and development, and public health policies. The unique format allows for networking and information sharing between academic, industry and public sector organisations, including students, non-statisticians, and regulatory bodies. The annual event includes a training course on a specific application, as well as various keynote and contributed presentations. Each year, the BAYES workshop has been led by a different organisation, and for 2018, the MRC Biostatistics Unit (BSU) were asked to organise and host.

This year’s workshop ran from the 20th to the 22nd June at Homerton College in Cambridge, and was a Satellite of the International Society for Bayesian Analysis biannual conference. It brought together over 100 researchers from across the UK and internationally, interested in the latest applications and methodological developments of Bayesian Biostatistics. The overall aims were to: promote Bayesian thinking and practice in biomedical sciences; present applied case studies in clinical and non-clinical settings; update delegates on new applications and methodological developments in Bayesian statistics in different areas of medicine and public health; and offer opportunities for reorientation within the ever changing environment of the bio-pharmaceutical world.

The varied and topical programme consisted of a one day training course, two days of keynote talks, contributed talks, and a poster presentation – BAYES 2018_Full Scientific Programme_FINAL. The training course on Bayesian approaches to incorporate historical data into clinical trials was a particular highlight, with 72 of the 108 delegates taking part. Course leaders were; Nicky Best (GlaxoSmithKline), Maxine Bennett (MRC Biostatistics Unit), Leonhard Held and Isaac Gravestock (both University of Zurich). Together they covered a breadth of content focused on clinical trials, incorporating lectures and practical tasks.

Deborah Ashby (Imperial College London), Jack Lee (University of Texas), Mike Daniels (University of Florida), and Lorenz Wernisch (MRC Biostatistics Unit) were the keynote speakers, giving fascinating insights into their experiences of working in Bayesian Biostatistics. There was also an exciting line up of contributed talks and poster presenters, following a high number of abstract submissions.

The programme included several opportunities for networking between delegates, organisers and presenters, and the venue at Homerton College provided a relaxed and engaging environment for developing new collaborations.

Overall BAYES 2018 was a fantastic success. It was a pleasure for the BSU to be part of such a well-recognised event and to link with the Unit’s specialised fields of research.

Delegate comments:

“The methods used on the course are very useful in my field, I expect to apply them for several trials”

“The major part of my work is theoretical. The course has encouraged me to roll up my sleeves and experiment with datasets using R”

“Great venue, well organised conference, interesting talks, brilliant workshop, all pitched at the right level. Thanks for organising!”

“Thank you for organising such a great event. I had a lot of fun and learnt a lot”

“Fantastic conference in a beautiful setting”

BAYES 2019 will be taking place in Lyon. Further information about this will be included on the website: www.bayes-pharma.org

With many thanks to the scientific organising committee:

• Gianluca Baio, University College London
• Alun Bedding, Roche
• Nicky Best, GlaxoSmithKline
• Bruno Boulanger, Arlenda
• Daniela De Angelis, MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge (Chair)
• Leonhard Held, University of Zürich
• Emmanuel Lesaffre, KULeuven
• Sylvia Richardson, MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge

BAYES 2018 was endorsed by the International Society for Bayesian Analysis, Adolphe Quetelet Society and the Royal Statistical Society, and was supported by the Adolphe Quetelet Society and the MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge.

Take a look at a blog on BAYES 2018 written by members of Quanticate who attended the workshop: www.quanticate.com/blog/bayesian-approaches-to-use-historical-data-in-the-analysis-of-clinical-trials