Dr Chris Palmer
The Centre for Applied Medical Statistics (CAMS) was established in 1996 in response to the increasing recognition of the need for high quality statistics as an integral part of medical research.
Funded by NIHR and East of England RDS, CAMS provides a statistical support mechanism for clinical researchers belonging to the University of Cambridge’s School of Clinical Medicine and/or those working for the NHS in the Eastern Region. CAMS is part of the University Department of Public Health and Primary Care and, being located in the Institute of Public Health on Robinson Way, is especially convenient for responding to the needs of researchers based at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
CAMS comprises a Director, Dr. Chris Palmer, two full-time and two part-time medical statisticians (in 2010), and a part time course administrator.
As part of his PhD thesis, Paul Ng, supervised by Chris Palmer, undertook a study into the way clinical trials are conducted. The results of this study (“SurCTOP”) into data-dependent (or “learn-as-you-go”) designs can be viewed here.
Objectives
Specific objectives of CAMS include the provision of statistical expertise for consulting and collaborating with clinical researchers on particular projects, and offering occasional short courses (up to two days duration) on introductory and specialised statistical topics. While preferring involvement to commence at the earliest pre-proposal stage of research, CAMS statisticians can offer advice on all aspects of studies including design, conduct, analysis, interpretation and publication. The increasing numbers of biomedical journals using statistical reviewers in recent years is just one reason to seek statistical advice as early as possible.
Location
CAMS is located on the University Forvie Site adjacent to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. On entering the hospital grounds (Hills Road entrance) turn left at the roundabout with the flagpole and follow the road round three sharp bends. Turn left at the mini roundabout onto the Forvie Site. Once on the Forvie Site bear left and the Institute of Public Health is on the right. Limited car parking is available for clients please contact us to confirm. There is however, no car parking available for courses. If coming from Addenbrooke’s from the main Addenbrooke’s concourse follow the signs to the Jubilee Gardens. Walk through the Jubilee Gardens then turn right, walk through the car park to a mini round about. Go straight across the mini roundabout (or the zebra crossing next to it). This is the Forvie Site. Bear left and the IPH building is on your right.
Click here for a scrollable map to find out where we are.
Refereeing
All CAMS statisticians belong to the team of The Lancet statistical referees and the team of Human Reproduction statistical referees and are experienced in the communication and dissemination of research findings. CAMS statisticians also review for several other journals.