The seminar titled “Introduction to Statistical Analysis of Biomedical Data with Practical Application on Computers” was held in March 2015 by the Laboratory of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics of the Faculty of Medicine at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). It lasted a total of seventeen hours, divided into two two-day sessions (March 20–21 and March 27–28), and took place in the teaching classrooms and computer laboratories of the Department. DatAnalysis actively participated in the program, aiming to enhance its scientific training in the field of biomedical statistics and its practical application to real-world health data.

Purpose and Objective of the Seminar

The main goal of the seminar was to help participants understand and apply fundamental concepts of statistical analysis to biomedical data through both theoretical training and practical computer-based exercises. Special emphasis was placed on the correct processing, interpretation, and presentation of statistical results using specialized statistical software packages. The program was mainly aimed at clinical and laboratory physicians, PhD candidates, and health scientists who wished to improve their statistical literacy and autonomy in data analysis. Through guided learning, participants acquired the ability to apply the most common statistical methods, gain a deeper understanding of analytical results, and present their research findings with clarity and scientific validity.

Structure and Content of the Program

The seminar was taught by faculty members of the Medical School of NKUA specializing in Statistics and Epidemiology. Its curriculum was organized into theoretical and practical modules, offering a balanced educational experience.
The introductory section presented the basic principles of statistics, including data description and the foundations of statistical inference. Participants learned how to organize and present data correctly, understanding the importance of choosing appropriate analytical methods.
In the next stage, participants engaged in hands-on computer sessions using statistical software, applying techniques of descriptive statistics such as calculating means, standard deviations, and creating graphical representations. The following section focused on quantitative data analysis, covering methods such as the t-test, correlation coefficient (r), and simple and multiple regression analysis. Through practical examples, attendees developed the ability to select appropriate methods based on the type of data and the goals of their research.
The program then addressed qualitative data analysis, introducing categorical analysis techniques and logistic regression. Participants learned how to interpret relationships between qualitative variables and draw conclusions based on real-life biomedical research examples. Finally, particular attention was devoted to the presentation of statistical results, including guidelines for the clear layout of tables and graphs, and the formulation of well-documented interpretive comments in accordance with international scientific publication standards.

Outcomes and Educational Benefits

Upon completing the seminar, participants were able to fully understand the significance of statistical processing results, perform the most common and modern statistical analyses using computers, and present their research outcomes accurately and comprehensively. Participation in the seminar strengthened their scientific reasoning, analytical skills, and their ability to critically assess research data. It also developed their capacity to compose structured and coherent scientific reports, thus promoting the quality and credibility of publications in the field of medical research.
All attendees received Certificates of Attendance as well as Certificates of Training and Continuing Education, officially accredited with 14 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. The successful completion of the program represented an important step toward the participants’ continuous professional development, enhancing their reputation and reliability in the field of scientific research and statistical analysis.

Conclusions

The seminar “Introduction to Statistical Analysis of Biomedical Data with Practical Application on Computers” proved to be a valuable educational experience, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. Participation enabled scientists to understand the importance of statistics as an essential tool in both research and clinical practice. Through its comprehensive structure and applied focus, the seminar contributed to strengthening participants’ knowledge and skills, promoting the integration of science and technology, and improving the overall quality of medical research in Greece. This initiative highlighted the importance of continuous education and collaboration between academics and health professionals, laying the foundation for a more modern, reliable, and evidence-based approach to biomedical data analysis.