Victoria University has a new research design and statistical support service to meet growing demand from staff and research students.
The service will provide one-on-one consulting and workshops for research students and their supervisors, and academic staff in all areas of the university.
It will help link students and staff to local area experts within the university and, if necessary, outside the university.
Associate Professor Neil Diamond, who worked at Victoria University from 1987-2003 and is currently director of statistical consulting in the Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics at Monash University, has rejoined the university and will coordinate the service.
He said the aim is to get the best statistical support for students and staff while appropriately recognising and rewarding staff who play this important role.
Associate Professor Diamond will develop a list of staff with statistical expertise willing to consult with other staff and research student.
It is hoped about half the consultations will be done by these staff members.
Staff and students can now contact the Research Design and Statistical Support Service to arrange one-on-one consulting with Associate Professor Diamond or another staff member aligned with the service.
Existing students are entitled to 10 hours free consulting during their candidature, while staff are entitled to 5 hours free consulting per calendar year.
Students are required to get the consent of their supervisors and are encouraged to bring them to the meetings.
Prior to the first meeting, students and staff need to prepare a 1-page summary of their research and complete the application form.
Associate Professor Diamond has a PhD in Experimental Design from the University of Melbourne, has worked for over 10 years in industry as a statistician and as an academic for over 20 years both at Victoria University and Monash University. He is an accredited statistician with the Statistical Society of Australia.
