The lectures and hands-on sessions were given by experienced scientists from the ERA-EDTA Registry Committee (Drs. Kramar, MacLeod, Wanner and Zoccali) together with epidemiologists and scientists from the ERA-EDTA Registry office in Amsterdam (Dekker, Jager, Stel, van Dijk and Kramer).

Through the support of the information centre of the University Clinic the course participants could practice the newly gained knowledge by exercising with their own computers.

The hands-on-sessions focused on the practical use of SPSS in order to provide training on how to use statistical computer programmes for data analysis. Many hours were spent on topics like measuring disease occurrence, the advantages and disadvantages of different study designs, risk analysis, bias and confounding as well as survival analysis using Kaplan Meier and Cox-regression analysis.

After successful work all enjoyed the unique ambiance of the city of Würzburg, a walk over the bridge of the river Main and all climbed Marienberg Castle. After another ambitious day of science a wine tasting and dinner in Europe´s largest wine cellar “Hofkeller” rewarded the participants for their intense efforts during the course.

The participants considered this ERA-EDTA course as an educational and social success. The next course will be held in Salzburg (Austria) on March 4-6, 2006.

Christiane Drechsler M.D., local co-organizer of the course