More Than a Consultation: Georgia CTSA BERD Experts Help Researchers Turn Ideas into Impact
Turning a promising research idea into a rigorous study often requires the right methodological support at the right time. The Georgia Clinical & Translational Science Alliance (Georgia CTSA) Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) program helps investigators strengthen their research through expert guidance on study design, sample size planning, statistical analysis, grant development, and interpretation of findings.
With faculty expertise spanning Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of Georgia, BERD connects investigators with tailored support at multiple stages of the research process. Some researchers seek guidance while refining an early-stage idea or preparing a grant application. Others turn to BERD while analyzing complex data, developing figures, or moving a project toward publication.
“We in BERD take pride in knowing that we are helping to catalyze the research careers of early investigators,” said John Hanfelt, PhD, Director of the Georgia CTSA BERD program. “The results of this study confirmed that BERD provides a valuable resource to the clinical and translational science community, especially our consultations early in the study design process.”
For many investigators, that support can make a meaningful difference. One investigator shared that a BERD consultant was able to support Cox proportional hazards modeling and Kaplan-Meier curves “with rapid ability to make modifications and improve figures.”
New Publication Highlights BERD’s Impact
A newly published evaluation offers a closer look at how BERD consultations are supporting researchers across the Georgia CTSA. Advancing Translational Science through Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design Consultations: A Multi-Perspective Evaluation of the Georgia CTSA BERD Program was published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science. The study gathered feedback from investigators and BERD consultants following 62 consultations conducted between January 2024 and January 2025.
The findings were strongly positive. 69% of investigator respondents reported being extremely satisfied with their consultation, while an additional 19% were somewhat satisfied. Nearly half accessed BERD services during the early stages of a grant application, showing the value of methodological support at a critical point in the research process.
“What stood out to me was the consistency of the feedback from both investigators and consultants,” said Eric Nehl, PhD, Director of Evaluation & Continuous Improvement for the Georgia CTSA. “Investigators saw BERD consultations as helping them develop stronger studies and grant applications, while consultants identified opportunities to further improve the service. Together, these findings show that BERD helps researchers ask better questions, design stronger studies, and ultimately produce more impactful science.”
The evaluation also showed that BERD consultations frequently extend beyond a single meeting. 65% of consultant respondents indicated that additional support was needed after the initial consultation. Follow-up often included continued analysis, proposal development, manuscript preparation, mentorship, and guidance as projects evolved.
One consultant described support that “extended through 2024 and led to methods development and a capstone project.” Another noted that after multiple follow-up meetings, the investigators were preparing to submit an abstract related to the work.
“This evaluation highlighted how BERD functions as both a methodological resource and a collaborative partner for investigators,” shared publication lead author Gaurav Rajgopal, MPH, Georgia CTSA Evaluation & Continuous Improvement. “The feedback showed that consultations can help researchers strengthen their study design, navigate analytical decisions, and move projects forward in ways that support stronger proposals, publications, and long-term research success.”
These examples reflect BERD’s broader value. The program offers more than answers to isolated statistical questions. It connects investigators with collaborators who can help refine ideas, strengthen proposals, apply rigorous methods, and advance research toward meaningful outcomes. As one investigator shared, “I am happy with the previous consultation and would like to get consultation service in the future.”
Supporting Research Across Georgia
BERD consultations are one part of a broader effort to strengthen clinical and translational research across Georgia. The program also supports investigators through educational programming, an annual BERD Research Forum, studio consultations, conference grants, and methodological pilot funding.
As research questions become increasingly complex, access to experienced methodological partners is more important than ever. Through BERD, investigators can connect with the expertise they need to transform promising ideas into stronger studies, competitive proposals, impactful publications, and future discoveries.