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Background In response to emerging challenges faced by epidemiologists, it is timely to ensure that university teaching aligns with the competencies required in professional practice. Therefore, the field requires a regular evaluation of the educational competencies being covered. The aim of this research was to seek consensus from both students and experts on postgraduate epidemiology competencies relevant to the Australian context. Methods A two-round online survey using a modified Delphi method was used to establish expert consensus on postgraduate epidemiology competencies. Focus groups were also conducted with recent graduates who completed a postgraduate epidemiology course to assess their viewpoints on learning experiences and employability. Results In total, 41 experts participated in the first Delphi round. A total of 19/40 factors (general epidemiologic methods/concepts) reached consensus in the first round for importance (high/most important by > 70% of participants). Seventeen factors also reached consensus in terms of feasibility (usually/always/very feasible by > 70% of participants). Further results from the second Delphi round focusing on advanced analysis skills, applied fields and professional/transferrable skills will be available for presentation at the Conference. One main theme emerging from the graduate focus groups was the substantial value gained in undertaking a dissertation, acknowledging its benefit for applying research skills and for networking opportunities. Conclusions Competencies for postgraduate epidemiology students require periodic review to safeguard a workforce that can meet emerging challenges. Key messages To ensure that high quality epidemiological research and practice continues we need consensus on the set of essential skills required of graduating students.

Background Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the eighth most common cancer in women, has a five-year survival of ∼45%, and very few established modifiable risk factors. Some evidence suggests that bisphosphonates could have chemopreventive benefits, but few epidemiological studies have investigated the association between bisphosphonate use and incidence of EOC. Methods We conducted a nested case-control study using linked administrative data. We identified 9,367 women over 50 years diagnosed with EOC (cases) from 2004 to 2013, and for each case identified five controls from the Australian Medicare Enrolment database matched by age, state, area of residence, and area-level socioeconomic disadvantage. We assessed the associations between bisphosphonate use using dispensed prescription data (ever use, duration and dose) and EOC (overall, by histotype), adjusting for comorbidities and MHT use. We conducted sensitivity analyses in women with complete ascertainment of dispensing claims and for residents of one Australian state that had linked with data linked to hospital procedures, including oophorectomy. Results Our analyses show an inverse association between bisphosphonate use and risk of EOC overall (OR = 0.81, 95%CI:0.75-0.88), and for endometrioid (OR = 0.51, 95%CI:0.33-0.79) and serous (OR = 0.84, 95%CI:0.75-0.93) histotypes. There was some evidence that higher dose and duration were associated with a greater reduction in risk. Results from sensitivity analyses were not appreciably different. Conclusions Bisphosphonate use was associated with lower risk of EOC, suggesting bisphosphonates may reduce risk of ovarian cancer development. Key messages Bisphosphonates may protect against development of serous and endometrioid ovarian cancers.