A Discussion with Alun Bedding and David Wright, Jürgen Hummel, and Jenny Devenport

This episode features three leading statistical methodology experts discussing the role, impact, and future of methodology groups in the pharmaceutical industry. They explore organizational structures, skill sets, AI integration, and strategies to accelerate adoption of innovative methods.

**Key topics: **

Role and impact of methodology groups
Organizational considerations for methodology teams
Skills and traits of great statisticians
Integration of AI and machine learning in pharma
Strategies to accelerate adoption of new methods

**Episode highlights: **

00:00 Introduction to Statistical Methodology Groups
02:18 Exploring the Paper's Insights
06:49 The Role of Methodology Statisticians
10:13 Consultation and Collaboration in Drug Development
12:54 Addressing the Innovation Problem in Drug Development
16:06 Qualities of a Great Methodology Statistician
20:31 The Future of Methodology Groups and AI
25:46 The Importance of Human Insight in Clinical Trials
28:27 The Prevalence of Methodology Groups in the Industry
30:29 Goals of Methodology Departments

**Links and resources: **

Statistical Methodology Groups in the Pharmaceutical Industry Paper Https://statistics.biopharmaceutics.com/article/10.1177/15501477221112345
EFSPI Statistical Leaders Group https://www.efspi.org/statistical-methodology-leaders/
EFSPI Ecosystem https://www.efspi.org/ecosystem/

**Guest links **

Jenny Devenport: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-devenport/
David Wright: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wright/
Jurgen Hummel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jurgen-hummel/