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- 📖 Chapter 5 is here + Causal Inference Roadmap released
📖 Chapter 5 is here + Causal Inference Roadmap released
Explore the latest in causal inference. Collaborate, learn, and grow with thousands of fellow learners
Justin Belair
November 03, 2025
Dear Causal Inference in Statistics Enthusiast,
[NEW] Chapter 5 on Observational Studies Now Available
To those who preordered Chapter 5 —The Art of Observational Studies: Pragmatically Bridging Causal Frameworks is now available!
This 55-page monster chapter includes a case-study code notebook, dozens of thoughtful exercises, guidelines and frameworks for conducting observational studies, and discussions about target-trial emulation, negative controls, well-defined interventions, and more.
If you pre-order my Causal Inference in Statistics, with Exercises, Practice Projects, and R/Python Code Notebooks, you now receive:
A 230 page PDF with the 4 chapters
An online version with the 4 chapters (see video below)
6 R code notebooks
Receive the new parts of the book upon release (2 new chapters + 5 additional notebooks, coming soon) and any updates to the material via Github
A pre-order for the physical book once it is complete
In case you missed it, a preview of the online version:
You can order now—you will be the first to receive the new material when it launches 😋
What's The Plan?
The Causal Inference Roadmap
The Biostatistics Group quietly released The Causal Inference Roadmap, a detailed guide with books, articles, and online courses to learn causal inference skills.
Have any feedback? Reply to this email or write to [email protected].
[DISCORD] Causal Inference🤓 Journal Club #5 Recap
Evaluating Causal Claims in News
Katie Davis presented on using Bradford Hill's viewpoints and modern causal frameworks to critically assess health research reported in the media.
Key Framework: Bradford Hill's 9 viewpoints (1965) including temporality, consistency, dose-response, and plausibility - plus modern tools like DAGs and Causal Pies.
Case Study: Katie dissected a viral intermittent fasting study claiming 8-hour eating windows increase cardiovascular death risk. Major red flags identified:
Exposure based on only 2 days of dietary recalls, assumed to represent years of habits
Temporal ambiguity: did poor health cause eating patterns?
70% of short-window group skipped breakfast vs 12% of controls - then adjusted for breakfast skipping
Multiple testing issues
Key Takeaway: Always ask "In whom, by how much, and under what conditions?" and critically evaluate exposure measurement before accepting causal claims.
Next Session: details coming soon! Join us 🤓
Once in the Discord ➡️ voice channels ➡️ journal-club or book-club, the events will be held there!
The community hosts causal AI founders looking for co-founders, job postings, clubs, memes, and other exclusive community features—all free!
Statistics Book Reviews
Over time, The Biostatistics Group has developed many comprehensive lists of book reviews. Check them out.
[COURSE] Introduction to Biostatistics — Exclusive Discount
Aleksander Molak and I have finished the Founding Cohort.
We’re currently working hard on creating the material for the self-paced version that will be available online. What do you think about my setup?
Recording the Intro to Biostats course!
We will offer an exclusive discount to those who join the waiting list, as a token of appreciation for their patience.
📊 For anyone interested in statistics, especially causal inference, I just finished a cohort course with Justin Bélair and Aleksander Molak and it was 🔥. I highly recommend them. They are the best course creators I’ve met. They mix statistics with philosophy and use thought experiments to teach. They genuinely care about feedback and encourage real discussion.
Consulting—Training and Workshops
You may already know that I’m a University Lecturer and that my passion is teaching 💜
I offer training and workshops in causal inference, real-world evidence, and biostatistics.
I’ve trained
Pharma RWE teams
Industry scientists in biotech
Research Labs
And more!
My approach is engaging, warm, and thorough.
Ready to discuss how I can help?
I’m almost fully-booked, but could take on an additional workshop or training.
Until next time.
thestatsnerd,
Justin
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