Authors
Troy Sadkowsky (Data Scientists Pty Ltd), Deborah Glass (Monash University), Jennifer Girschik (Western Australian Institute for Medical Research), and Lin Fritschi (Western Australian Institute for Medical Research).
Abstract
This paper details the initial findings and outcomes discovered by the piloting of available eResearch tools and services in conjunction with the running of an epidemiological research study on breast cancer. The Breast Cancer, Environment and Employment Study (BCEES) is a three year study funded by NHMRC. It is being carried out at Western Australian Institute of Medical Research (WAIMR) and the University of Western Australia (UWA), in collaboration with Monash University looking at the identifying environmental and employment risk factors that could contribute to breast cancer.
The study’s aim is not only to identify these risk factors, but also to explore the use of new technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of the data collection process. The study has adopted a number of eResearch products and services to assist in meeting this aim. Cost-effectiveness of available eResearch tools is measured by performing individual benefit analysis of each product along with detailed time tracking involved in the installation, training and maintenance of the product. The piloting of these eResearch products will serve as a practical example of how effective the adoption of eResearch can be for a research study in a discipline where these have not been used to a great extent previously.
About the speaker
Troy Sadkowsky is a native data scientist with particular interests in cancer epidemiology.
Over the past nine years he has provided digital data management services and scientific software development for scientific research organisations right across Australia and in the UK. Troy has a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Information Technology and a Masters in Business Administration.
Troy is currently, the data scientist for the Breast Cancer, Environment and Employment Study (BCEES) and is helping establish a collaborative research environment with the purpose of capturing the full journey of the study, so that it may be preserved and shared with all.