Unit Epidemiology, Statistics and Exposure Modelling

At the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, the Unit carries out epidemiological and statistical analyses, develops mathematical models and deals with methodological questions. The unit cooperates with other BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment units in these areas. Furthermore, Unit 33 conducts quantitative risk assessments and develops risk assessment models. The help of the unit is essential for developing risk assessments at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, since especially quantitative risk modelling provides a substantial contribution to the evaluation of risks and can help risks managers in their decisions.

Other tasks of the Unit include the initiation, support and supervision of statistical and epidemiological projects at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.

In cooperation with scientists from other BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment units, the Unit develops projects, selects suitable descriptive and analytical statistical methods, and works out sampling designs. This guarantees a detailed and statistically sound basis for all projects. A further focus is the review of published papers regarding epidemiological and statistical questions. These results may have a considerable impact on reports and risk assessment in order to protect the consumer.

The Unit offers regular in-house training courses in statistics, External Link:epidemiology and risk assessment. The aim of these courses is to ensure that the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment scientists can continuously update their knowledge in order to carry out state-of-art research and assessments.

• Quantitative risk assessments
• Initiation of epidemiological, statistical and experimental studies as well as involvement in the planning, data collection, evaluation, report and publication of these studies
• Statistical support of studies evaluating experimental procedures and diagnostic tests
• Statistical and epidemiological quality assurance of studies, reports, expert opinions and publications
• Review and evaluation of external studies with regard to study design, choice of model and statistical analyses
• Representation of the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment on national and international committees and other bodies
• Organisation and  implementation of in-house training courses in the fields of epidemiology, statistics and mathematical modelling
• Development and implementation of computer simulations and mathematical models for specific questions at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (e.g. toxicokinetic models, network analyses)
• Development of methodological standards in the fields of epidemiology, statistics and mathematical modelling at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment