Rate My Professor Peter Herbison

Emeritus Professor Peter Herbison serves as Emeritus Professor (Biostatistics) in the Department of Public Health (Dunedin) at the University of Otago, part of the Faculty of Medicine and the Division of Health Sciences. He holds a Doctor of Science (DSc) from the University of Otago. Throughout his career, Professor Herbison worked for many years as a statistical consultant supporting researchers in the Health Sciences Division. Now retired, he remains active on several projects involving or utilizing meta-analysis. His academic interests center on biostatistics, with particular emphasis on study design, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and methodological advancements in clinical epidemiology. Professor Herbison has held significant editorial roles, including Editor of the Cochrane Incontinence Group and membership in the Cochrane Statistical Methods Group.

Professor Herbison's scholarly contributions include influential publications on meta-analytic techniques and clinical research priorities. Key works encompass 'Adjustment of meta-analyses on the basis of quality scores should be abandoned' (Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 2006), which critiqued quality-based adjustments; 'Different methods of allocation to groups in randomized trials are associated with different levels of bias: A meta-epidemiological study' (Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 2011); and 'Meta-analyses of small numbers of trials often agree with longer-term results' (Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 2011). He co-authored the Cochrane Review 'Sacral neuromodulation with implanted devices for urinary storage and voiding dysfunction in adults' (2009) and 'Research priorities in urinary incontinence: Results from citizens' juries' (BJOG, 2009). Earlier contributions include the highly cited study 'The long-term impact of the physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of children: A community study' (1996) and longitudinal research on childhood asthma (2003). His extensive collaborations across public health, urogynaecology, respiratory medicine, and related fields underscore his impact on medical research methodologies.