SITAR at RSS 2026

We’re excited to share that we will be presenting an invited topic session on Bayesian SITAR growth curve analysis at the RSS International Conference 2026.

About the session

The SITAR (SuperImposition by Translation And Rotation) model, developed by Professor Tim Cole CBE, is a powerful tool for summarising human height growth during puberty, typically explaining up to 99% of population variance. The model estimates a mean growth curve and characterises individual growth patterns using three random effects (size, timing, and intensity) which can then be related to earlier exposures or later health outcomes, making SITAR particularly valuable for translational medicine and life course epidemiology.

This session presents exciting new extensions to the classical SITAR model developed within a Bayesian framework, offering greater modelling flexibility. The session will run for approximately 90 minutes and include a short introduction from the session chair, followed by three talks and time for questions and discussion.

Speakers and provisional titles

Tim Cole A brief history of SITAR

Satpal Sandhu Bayesian SITAR models and bsitar

Ahmed Elhakeem Socioeconomic differences in pubertal growth

Alejandra Hernandez Joint modelling of growth curve features and a later outcome: weight through puberty and early adulthood adiposity and blood pressure

We hope to see you there!