Professor Ware’s current research interests focus on methods for the analysis of longitudinal data, and on the application of biostatistics to clinical/translational research.

During the 1980s, Dr. Ware developed statistical methods for the design and analysis of longitudinal studies, with application to studies of the health effects of air pollutants. That research led to new methodology for the analysis of longitudinal data (1), and to many publications on the health effects of air pollutants, including particulate air pollution, nitrogen dioxide, and sidestream cigarette smoke (e.g., 2). This work also stimulated research on errors of measurement and their effects on the design and analysis of studies. With colleagues Nan Laird and Garrett Fitzmaurice, Dr. Ware recently completed a book on methods for analysis of longitudinal data (3).

Dr. Ware directed the statistical center for the Brain Injury Trial, a randomized trial comparing two strategies for protecting the brain during surgery to repair transposition of the great arteries in infants. (4) and the Data Coordinating Center for the Treatment of Lead Exposed Children Trial (5). This trial, sponsored by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, investigated the benefits of chelation to lower blood lead levels in children with high blood lead levels resulting from environmental exposures.

Dr. Ware is a statistical consultant to the New England Journal of Medicine, teaches courses on longitudinal analysis, clinical trials, and analysis of categorical data at the School, and writes occasional papers on statistical issues in clinical research.

In 2008, Harvard received an award from the National Institutes of Health to support a Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC), since named Harvard Catalyst (www.catalyst.harvard.edu) to focus on research that accelerates the application of new science to patient care and public health. Dr. Ware is the director of the Biostatistical Science Program and associate director of the Postgraduate Education Program for Harvard Catalyst.

In addition, Dr. Ware is leading a collaboration with King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to foster learning and research opportunities for Saudi public health and medical scientists and health professionals.