Commentary The Importance of Cost Estimation for Molecular Epidemiology Studies

In the current issue of the Journal of Epidemiology, Mishiro et al1 present a very careful and detailed cost estimation for a molecular epidemiology cohort study in a model region of Japan. Their approach and key points can be extended to other studies worldwide in order to rationalize planning and costs of molecular epidemiology cohort studies. Of particular interest—though subject to a range of errors due to unexpected events—is their careful allocation and definition of time requested for each unit of personnel, since personnel costs account for the major proportion of the total costs of epidemiological studies.