Developing methods for the commissioning, design, conduct and analysis of randomised controlled trial

The MRC ConDuCT Trials Methodology Hub brings together research into the commissioning, design, conduct and analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and is hosted by the University of Bristol Departments of Social Medicine and Community Based Medicine.

We have supervisors and projects in medical statistics, health economics, qualitative methods, and trial management.

These are four-year studentships with the first year allowing attendance on courses from Social Medicine’s popular short course programme (see http://www.epi.bris.ac.uk/shortc/shortc.htm), and elsewhere, to build a comprehensive knowledge of RCT design and conduct.

The first year will also provide the opportunity to conduct small studies in different areas of trials methodology, allowing students to confirm their area of interest, build their research skills, formulate a detailed research plan for the subsequent three years, conduct feasibility studies of intended research procedures, and meet and work with theme leads within the Hub. Three-year studentships are also available for students with relevant postgraduate experience or qualifications.

For further details and the application procedure please see the ConDuCT Ph.D. programme prospectus, available under “Other funding opportunities” on the Bristol University Department of Social Medicine postgraduate opportunities web page:

www.epi.bris.ac.uk/postgrad/pg.htm

Chris Metcalfe
Department of Social Medicine, Bristol University
chris.metcalfe@bristol.ac.uk