This is a final announcement for the workshop on "Statistical Methods for Genetic Epidemiology" to be held in Edinburgh during the week of May 7-11 2007. The workshop is funded by the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS http://www.ma.hw.ac.uk/icms/) and will be limited to about 35 participants. It will comprise a mixture of expository talks on the main challenges to current methodology in terms of problems, limitations and computational issues, research talks on new methods currently under development and themed discussion sessions chaired by leading researchers in the field.  One of the aims of the workshop is to provide an opportunity for new researchers to become acquainted with the main research issues in the area and make vital contacts with established researchers in an informal small group setting. 

A provisional list of the invited participants who hope to attend is now available on the ICMS website. The programme is flexible and still very much under construction, but topics for talks and discussion sessions may include:
1.	Genome-wide association study issues
2.	Use of covariates in linkage and association studies
3.	Incorporating relatedness into association testing
4.	Pedigree analysis
5.	Interpreting gene-gene interactions in the presence of LD
6.	Selection, analysis and interpretation of TagSNPs
7.	Analysis of complex biological pathways
8.	Inferring causality
9.	Integrating different data types
10.	The role of non-coding DNA

We are now inviting applications from post-doctoral researchers or final year PhD students who are committed to pursuing a career in genetic epidemiological research. We anticipate that all participants will attend for the whole workshop. We plan to start at lunchtime on Monday May 7 and finish at lunchtime on Friday May 11. The ICMS will do all the local organising and will liaise with participants directly. Bed and Breakfast accommodation will be provided for four nights together with lunch on arrival and departure days and dinner on the remaining days. Travel expenses (economy/second class) will be reimbursed. There is a small workshop registration fee of £30 per participant, payable on arrival. 

Applications should be made in writing to:
 
Nuala Sheehan,
University of Leicester,
Depts of Health Sciences and Genetics,
2nd Floor Adrian Building,
University Road,
Leicester LE1 7RH, UK

by January 15, 2007 and should include :1)  a short CV (2-3 pages) and, 2) a statement of research interests and reasons  why this workshop would be beneficial (no more than one side of A4). Applicants will be selected on the basis of the above information. We will also endeavour to represent as many groups as possible in the selection process.



Best wishes,


Nuala Sheehan, Elizabeth Thompson and Max Baur (Organisers)




Nuala A. Sheehan,
Senior Lecturer in Statistical Genetics, University of Leicester.

Tel: +44 (0)116 2297271
Fax: +44 (0)116 2297250
Email: [log in to unmask]