The Statistical Consulting and Survey Research Unit (SCSRU) is a joint unit at the University of Waterloo comprised of the former Statistical Consulting and Collaborative Research Unit and the Survey Research Centre. The SCSRU offers the same services as its predecessors and is a cornerstone to excellence in survey research and statistical analysis at the University of Waterloo.
The SCSRU provides statistical advice to those working on research problems, in addition to offering a full suite of survey research services that include survey methodology and sampling frame consultation, questionnaire design, programming, data collection (telephone, web, mail, face-to-face, and mixed mode surveys), sample weights, and data analysis. SCSRU services support clients to get accurate, meaningful results.
Our mission is to provide high-quality statistical advice and survey research services to the University of Waterloo Community and external institutions and organizations through our two service streams: Statistical Consulting and Survey Research.
Events
Introduction to Large Language Models with Applications in Text Classification
This workshop offers an introduction to the core concepts underlying Large Language Models (LLMs) like BERT and GPT, as well as the various tools available to users interested in employing these models for practical tasks. As the motivating example, we will use LLMs to classify text answers to questions on a real-world survey.
News
Minzee Kim and Sidharth Bajaj Publish in JMIR Aging
Minzee Kim and Sidharth (Sid) Bajaj published a study in JMIR Aging presenting personalized predictive models to evaluate how well older adults with diverse abilities can use different medication adherence technologies. Collaborating with Dr. Tejal Patel’s lab, the research applied statistical modeling to health technology design, showing that personalized models—developed and evaluated through rigorous cross-validation—outperformed non-personalized and naïve approaches. The work highlights the effectiveness of personalization and the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in improving medication management for older adults.
Bara' Abdallah AlShurman Published in Vaccine
As part of Bara’ Abdallah AlShurman’s doctoral research exploring the multifactorial and evolving nature of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among university students in Ontario, Canada, two studies were recently published in Vaccine.
Xisi Zhang published in Vaccine
Congratulations to Xisi Zhang on his recent publication in Vaccine.
The article titled "Understanding the Shift in COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Its Associated Factors for Primary and Booster Doses Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study" represents an interdisciplinary collaboration among Bara' Abdallah Al Shurman, Shannon E. Majowicz, and Zahid A. Butt from the School of Public Health Sciences, along with Kelly Grindrod from the School of Pharmacy.
Blog
SCSRU Newsletter Vol. 23, Issue #1 – Fall 2026
AAPOR Poster | Staff Conference Presentation | UWCom Survey | Featured Projects: Multiple Sclerosis; Health Researchers; CHARMH | Workshops
SCSRU Newsletter Vol. 22, Issue #2 – Fall 2025
We've moved | AAPOR 80th Annual Conference Highlights | Academic Program Reviews: Current Student Survey | Featured Projects: Canadian Study of Violence Against Paramedics; Firefighters Survey; Data Science Admissions Survey; Travel to Treatment
SCSRU Newsletter Vol. 22, Issue #1 – Winter 2025
SCSRU Newsletter Vol. 22, Issue #1 – Winter 2025
Bot Roundtable Discussion | UWaterloo Community Survey | Waterloo Region Matters Survey | Featured Projects: Understanding Grief and Bereavement Support in Canada; 2025 ISSP; Exploring Clinician Perceptions of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation | Upcoming Events
