Non-SOT Event: Mendelian Randomization Boot Camp: A Practical Guide to Study Design and Implementati

This two-day intensive boot camp presented by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health integrates motivation for Mendelian randomization studies, statistical concepts, genetic considerations, and practical examples to design, implement and interpret a Mendelian randomization analysis. Led by a scientist with several award winning papers on Mendelian randomization combined with extensive expertise in epidemiology, the workshop will integrate seminar lectures with hands-on computer sessions to put concepts into practice. Emphasis will be given to leveraging existing publicly available resources (data, tools and packages) as well as indicating the scope for new studies. The afternoon lab sessions will provide an opportunity to work hands-on with real data. Participants will learn and practice all the steps required for a successful Mendelian randomization analysis using publicly available data, including identifying suitable data sources, data extraction, data alignment, assumption checking and sensitivity analysis.

Investigators from any institution and from all career stages are welcome to attend, and we particularly encourage trainees and early-stage investigators to participate. There are three requirements to attend this training:

1. Each participant is required have a working laptop or tablet with video and audio capabilities.
2. The Boot Camp will use data sets in R/RStudio using the Posit Cloud (formerly RStudio Cloud) platform, therefore it is required that each participant has previous experience using R.
3. Each participant must have a free, basic Posit Cloud (formerly RStudio Cloud) account prior to the first day of the boot camp.

Capacity is limited. Paid registration is required to attend.