Applied Epidemiologic Analysis for Causal Inference - Guest speaker: Prof. Katherine Lesko, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States. The four-day RUHR School will derive the theoretical foundations of causal inference. In practical “paper and pencil” exercises and hands-on computer labs (either R or SAS), the principles of causal inference are applied and deepened on concrete data sets. The goal is for participants after the RUHR School to be able to practically apply the methods of causal inference in their concrete empirical studies with the theoretical understanding of causal inference. Causal inference topics include, among others: causal identification conditions, target quantities, potential outcomes, structural causal models (including DAGs), target trial framework, estimands framework, target population principle, g-methods, inverse probability weighting and g-computation. The RUHR School is of interest to anyone who wants to draw causal conclusions based on empirical data and is important for clinical research, epidemiological research, medical data science and machine learning.
Venue: Haus der Technik, Hollestraße 1, 45127 Essen 
Time: Daily 09:00-17:30
Target audience: Interested young researchers at UDE
Language: English
Registration: IMIBE-summerschool@uk-essen.de
Registration fees: Yes
Application deadline: 02.06.2026, 12:00
Registration deadline: 07.07.2026, 08:30

The ability to analyze and visualize data is of ever-increasing importance in biomedical research. This event aims to learn basic data analysis skills using practical examples and exercises. This includes:

• Forms of visualization
• Data exploration using “no-code”
• Basics of programming and use of suitable tools
• Code-based analysis and visualization of tabular data
• Reproducibility

The event will consist of 2 SWS, which will consist of a combination of lecture units and practical exercises, depending on the topic and progress. As proof of achievement, each participant should create a portfolio in which what they have learned - and also, if necessary, any difficulties in understanding - are presented in their own words or sketches.
Trainer: Prof. Dr. Johannes Köster
Non-binding introduction: 12.05.2026, 18:00 h by Zoom
Venue: Lehr- und Lernzentrum (LLZ), PC-Pool (Ground Floor) 
Dates: 27.07.2026, 28.07.2026, 29.07.2026, 30.07.2026, 31.07.2026, 04.08.2026, 5.08.2026
Time: Always 9:00 – 13:00 h
Language: The course will be held in English if required
Registration and contact: andrea.tonk@uk-essen.de
Registration deadline: 30.06.2026
Programme

Venue: Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hörsaal des OPZII
Abstract submission: 30.06.2026
Registration and contact: Nadine Schlitzer, hivforschung@uk-essen.de