• genetics
• human genetics

We are delighted to announce the release of the first Chinese book on Mendelian randomisation, translated from Mendelian Randomization: Methods for Causal Inference Using Genetic Variants (Second Edition) by Dr Stephen Burgess and Professor Simon G Thompson, on 25 September 2023.

The original English book, authored by Dr Stephen Burgess and Professor Simon G Thompson from the University of Cambridge, was first published by Chapman and Hall in 2015. The first edition mainly focuses on the theoretical methods of Mendelian randomisation, substantially advancing the development and application of this innovative technique. The subsequent second edition, published in 2021, emphasised the practical implementation of the technique using standard procedures, making standard Mendelian randomisation analysis more accessible and straightforward. Nevertheless, the most challenging aspect remains producing reliable and credible results from these analyses.

With the global popularity of Mendelian randomisation design, an increasing number of scientific papers using this method have emerged from China. However, the Mendelian randomisation community has expressed concerns about the quality of these studies due to the absence of authoritative Chinese guidance on this method. Consequently, we decided to translate the second edition into Chinese. This translation process, which extended over 22 months, involved collaboration with several prestigious medical colleges from China, and received support from the University of Cambridge and the University of Copenhagen.

Before translation, we invited both clinical and epidemiological experts and allocated translation work based on their strengths. During the translation process, each chapter was translated and reviewed by at least two independent experts. The complete Chinese book was also thoroughly reviewed by five independent advanced experts. This rigorous process ensured the quality of the book, although some errors may still be inevitable; please contact us if you find any.

Stephen Burgess, a group leader at the MRC Biostatistics Unit in the University of Cambridge, said: “This translation is the result of many months of co-operation between our research group in Cambridge and a network of researchers and academics in China. We are very proud that our book is now available in the Chinese language to enable a wider audience of researchers to benefit from its contents”. Shan Luo, a researcher in genetic epidemiology and Mendelian randomisation, added, ‘The availability of this book in Chinese will undoubtedly serve as a valuable resource for local researchers and students, bridging the knowledge gap and enhancing the quality of Mendelian randomisation studies in China’.

In conclusion, we hope this book will facilitate Mendelian randomisation studies in China and help produce more reliable and credible results with high quality.