Steffen Ventz

Steffen Ventz is an Associate Professor and Medtronic Faculty Fellow in the Division of Biostatistics and Health Data Science at the School of Public Health, University of Minnesota. He is also affiliated with the Masonic Cancer Center. Prior to joining the University of Minnesota, he was a Research Scientist at Harvard University (2018-2022) and an Assistant Professor at the University of Rhode Island (2015-2018). He completed his PostDoctoral training at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2013-2015).

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Mathematical Statistics, Bocconi University, Italy, 2013
• MPhil in Mathematical Statistics, Bocconi University, Italy, 2010
• MA in Mathematical Demography, University of Rostock, Germany, 2007
• BS in Mathematical Demography, University of Rostock, Germany, 2005

Dr. Ventz's research focuses on methodological and applied statistics. His methodological interests include Bayesian statistics, statistical decision theory, adaptive sequential statistical methods, and data integration. His applied research spans oncology and infectious diseases, where he develops and applies novel statistical methods to address complex healthcare challenges. His work has significant implications for clinical trial design, particularly in developing more efficient and informative trial methodologies that can accelerate the development of new treatments.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on Bayesian methods for clinical trial design, particularly in oncology. He has pioneered approaches for data integration across studies, external control arms, and adaptive trial designs that optimize resource allocation and decision-making. His work often bridges theoretical statistical innovation with practical clinical applications, making significant contributions to both statistical methodology and medical research.

Dr. Ventz has received recognition as a Medtronic Faculty Fellow, highlighting his contributions to biomedical research. His work has been published in leading journals across statistics, oncology, and medical research.

As an educator, Dr. Ventz has taught courses in survival analysis, linear models, Bayesian statistics, and other biostatistical methods at the University of Minnesota, University of Rhode Island, and Bocconi University. He has also conducted workshops internationally on Bayesian adaptive methods for clinical trials.

Dr. Ventz leads a research group at the University of Minnesota that includes several graduate students working on topics such as imaging genetics, transfer learning, causal inference, and clinical trial design. His group is actively recruiting post-doctoral fellows and graduate students interested in biostatistical methodology and applications.