A Visit with Dr. Janet Wittes

Episode 30 of “In the Interim…” features Dr. Janet Wittes, Fellow of the American Statistical Association, past president of the Society of Clinical Trials, and founder of Statistics Collaborative, in discussion with Dr. Scott Berry. Dr. Wittes details her progression from Radcliffe biochemistry to Harvard statistics, shaped by targeted mentorship and her family’s insistence on advanced scientific training. She describes teaching at Hunter College, her NIH/NHLBI tenure overseeing extensive DSMB work, and the launch of Statistics Collaborative 32 years ago, building the business with her children and their peers. The episode explores her consulting on clinical trial design for orphan and neglected diseases—malaria, dengue, leishmania, ALS—and vaccine development, with technical commentary on adaptive trial methods, operational issues in low-resource contexts, and decision-making for small-sample trials. Dr. Wittes reflects on statistical leadership, ongoing DSMB involvement, and the importance of evidence-driven public health. She underscores the need for contextual and cultural awareness in trial design, illustrated by her Lilith magazine story on kosher certification and challenges in stakeholder understanding. Discussion covers career obstacles, the evolution of clinical science, vaccine advocacy, and the critical role of diversity and practical on-site knowledge in advancing statistical research.Key HighlightsEarly academic transition from biochemistry to statistics.Serendipitous transition from academic career at Hunter College to Branch Chief of biostatistics at NIH/NHLBI.Founding Statistics Collaborative, business growth with children, and specialization in orphan disease trials.Consulting expertise in adaptive design, small-sample challenges, tropical and vaccine studies.Continued advocacy for vaccines, scientific rigor, and ethical public health practice.Importance of representation and context in science, demonstrated by real-world consulting examples.