In 2023, Dr Satrajit Roychoudhury of Pfizer won the award for his significant impact in developing, implementing and disseminating efficient statistical methodology in four distinct areas:
- Bayesian design for COVID-19 vaccine trial
- Use of external control data
- Implementation of model-based approach in Phase I oncology studies
- Statistical approaches for non-proportional hazard
For his work on COVID-19 vaccines, he has recognised the urgent need to evaluate and identify a vaccine, but also to enable communication of findings to end users. The end result was one of the first Bayesian Phase III trials that has led to regulatory approval. For many researchers, developing novel methodology ends with acceptance of a manuscript or when the methodology is used in practice. Dr Roychoudhury has gone well beyond that and made it his mission to also educate the wider community on these methods.
Chrissie Fletcher, chair of PSI, said: 'Many congratulations to Satrajit for this significant achievement and well deserved recognition for his statistical excellence in the Pharmaceutical Industry. It is truly outstanding to implement and disseminate efficient statistical methodology in not just one, but four, important and diverse areas. An amazing accomplishment, well done.'
Dr Andrew Garrett, president of the RSS, commenting on the news said: 'Congratulations to Satrajit who should be applauded for the breadth and depth of his contributions. His work on Covid-19 vaccines clearly illustrates impact - notably how Bayesian methods can be used in a confirmatory setting to support regulatory review and approval.'