Statistics: Essential Now More Than Ever (Or, Why Uber Should be in the Driver's Seat for Cars, Not for Data Analysis)

• Activity Number: 428 - ASA President's Address and Founders & Fellows Recognition
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Tuesday, August 1, 2017 : 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
• Sponsor: ASA
• Author(s): Barry D. Nussbaum*
• Companies: ASA President

Abstract

Now is the time for statisticians to come to the rescue of rational analysis of today's challenges. Our profession is essential now, perhaps more than ever before. The world is besieged with a deluge of big data and analysts ready to process it. Rather than being captive to this burgeoning field, statisticians are poised to provide the critical elements for impacting social problems. The talk discusses the new initiatives taken to assure the proper and vital use of statistics now and into the future. Let the Ubers of the world be in the driver's seat to speed you to the airport, while the statisticians correctly assess the data. Examples will be given showing the crucial importance and vital strength of statisticians who are at the table when decisions are made. The art of effective collaboration with clear and succinct explanations is more important than ever. Come hear how you can improve your contributions to society and our collective standing in the world.