Course summary: In recent years there has been an increasing interest in the class of joint modelsfor longitudinal and time-to-event data. These models constitute an attractive paradigm for theanalysis of follow-up data that is mainly applicable in two settings: First, when focus is on a survival outcome and we wish to account for the effect of endogenous time-dependents covariates measured with error (e.g., biomarkers), and second, when focus is on the longitudinaloutcome and we wish to correct for nonrandom dropout. This course is aimed at applied researchers and graduate students and will provide a comprehensive introduction into this modelling framework. In particular, we will explain when these models should be used in practice, which are the key assumptions behind them, and how they can be utilised to extract relevant information from the data. Emphasis will be given on applications and the use of the Rpackages JM and JMbayes.

This course assumes knowledge of basic statistical concepts, such as standard statistical inferenceusing maximum likelihood, and regression models. In addition, basic knowledge of R would bebeneficial but is not required.

Introduction to the Joint Modelling of Longitudinal and Survival Data, with Applications in R: 28 October – 1 November 2013

Dr Dimitris Rizopoulos of the Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus University MedicalCenter, the Netherlands, will be presenting this intensive five-day course at Stellenboschunder the auspices of the South African DST/NRF Centre for Epidemiological Modellingand Analysis (SACEMA). The course will take place from 9 am to 4 pm daily in the STIASLibrary, adjacent to SACEMA.

The course fee, including refreshments, lunches and social events, is R3000 for early bird registrationby 30 June 2013, and R4000 for later registration, deadline 31 August 2013. Of this, R500 is a non-returnable registration fee. For international participants, the course fee is 400 euros for early birdregistration, and 450 euros for late registration. Of this, 50 euros is a non-returnable registration fee.Accommodation, breakfast and dinner is not included in the course fee, but accommodation packagesmay be negotiated through SACEMA.

Registration should be done online at www.sacema.com where the registration form will appearshortly. Enquiries may be directed to the SACEMA Research Manager, Ms Lynnemore Scheepers, at scheepersl@sun.ac.za, or phone: +27(0)21 808 2589/2893.

The closing date for early bird registration is 30 June 2013, and for later registration the closing date is 31 August 2013.