The randomized trial is the preferred research design for determining the effectiveness of interventions in health research. However, such trials can be (too) expensive, ethically problematic, logistically impractical, or not fast enough. In situations where conducting a randomized trial is not feasible, researchers may turn to observational data to address similar questions.

In this interactive lunchtime seminar, Jess Rohmann will focus on practical elements of applying this framework using an example of rolling out a new mobile stroke unit service in a fictitious city. You will learn how to design a well-defined intervention and will be walked through how to develop a protocol for a target trial emulation study.

About the speaker: Jess Rohmann is an early career researcher in neuroepidemiology with strong interests in improving scientific practice, reforming research assessment, and creating a more constructive research culture. In her research and teaching activities, she seeks to promote the application of rigorous, modern methods in observational medical research. She formerly was Head of Epidemiology at the CSB and spent the last year working as the Scientific Strategic Advisor to the Scientific Director of the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin. In December 2023, Jess returned to the Charité working on the “Peerspectives” project at the Institute of Public Health.