ASA Member News Archive
ASA Member News March 2012
March 2012 Edition
Statistical Outreach & News
STATISTICS FOR FUTURE PRESIDENTS?
ASA Director of Science Policy Steve Pierson is again asking your thoughts for what a statistics book for future policymakers might include (inspired by the book Physics for Future Presidents). See the blog entry, Statistics for Future Presidents, for more information, to leave a comment, or to see the comments of others.
HOUSE PANEL HOLDS HEARING ON MAKING AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY VOLUNTARY
A House oversight and government reform subcommittee held a hearing on March 6 about a bill to make the American Community Survey voluntary. See a short report of the hearing, along with links to the witness statements, a video of the hearing, and related documents in the blog entry, “House Panel Holds Hearing on Making American Community Survey Voluntary.”
ASA Science Policy is now on Twitter. Follow us at @ASA_SciPol.
Meetings, Education, & Events
THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA’S 5TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON CLINICAL TRIALS - Philadelphia, PA - April 18, 2012
The program will focus on emerging statistical issues in biomarker validation for clinical trials. (The ASA and Society for Clinical Trials are co-sponsors). Leading scientists will make formal presentations and panel and open discussions will challenge ideas and propose future directions. Participants from academe, industry, and government are encouraged to register. For additional information, contact Donna Zikowitz.
5TH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM ON INNOVATIONS IN DESIGN, ANALYSIS, AND DISSEMINATION: FRONTIERS IN BIOSTATISTICAL METHODS – Kansas City, MO - April 26–27, 2012
Cerner Corporation, the Kansas-Western Missouri Chapter of the ASA, and the department of biostatistics at the University of Kansas Medical Center are pleased to announce their fifth annual symposium. This event will take place at the Cerner Vision Center on Cerner Corporation’s World Headquarters campus. The keynote will be delivered by Richard Simon, chief of the biometric research branch of the National Cancer Institute. A pre-symposium short course, “Bayesian Adaptive Methods for Clinical Trials,” also will be offered onsite the morning of April 26 by Bradley Carlin, professor and head of biostatistics for the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. Registration for events and additional information is forthcoming.
ASA EXHIBITING AT SECOND USA SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FESTIVAL EXPO – Washington, DC – April 28–29, 2012
The ASA and other organizations will offer more than 3,000 interactive exhibits and 150 stage shows during the second USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, April 28-29, 2012. Bring your whole family and give your future and current scientists the experience of a lifetime. Come check out the ASA booth, Discovery Through Statistics, located in Hall C, Booth Number 1006. Booth activities will draw from entries to the 2010 Hands-On Statistics Activity Competition, and ASA members will volunteer time in the booth to coordinate the activities. Visit the official festival website to view the entire festival calendar and all exhibit and stage shows or download a map of the expo grounds. If interested in volunteering in the ASA booth during the festival, please contact Rebecca@amstat.org.
CHICAGO CHAPTER CONFERENCE – Chicago, Illinois – May 4, 2012
The ASA’s Chicago Chapter is hosting a conference, titled “America the Predictable? Different Approaches to Understanding and Forecasting Political Election Results.” Speakers include Allan Lichtman (The Keys to the White House: Forecast for 2012), John G. Geer (Political Attack Advertising), Forrest Nelson (Iowa Electronic Markets), and Filippo Menczer (Tracking the Diffusion of Political Ideas in Social Media). More information and to register.
AAPOR 67th ANNUAL CONFERENCE EVALUATING NEW FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC OPINION AND SOCIAL RESEARCH–Orlando, Florida – May 17–20, 2012
AAPOR's annual conference features cutting-edge educational sessions, in-depth short courses, informal access to leaders in the field, and an informative exhibit hall with representatives from key service and product providers. This year's conference theme focuses on evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of new methodologies and modes of data collection and exploring the implications for our profession. Early registration is open until April 10, 2012, and includes an opportunity to win three complimentary nights at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes. Learn more.
2012 ASA CONFERENCE ON RADIATION AND HEALTH – Kennebunkport, ME – June 10–13, 2012
The 2012 ASA Conference on Radiation and Health continues a decades-long tradition of bringing together leading internationally known scientists and new investigators working in the biophysical, biological, biostatistical, and public health aspects of radiation epidemiology. Morning and evening sessions will be devoted to understanding the state of radiation science and human health, and long afternoons will be free for informal interaction and exploration. All invited speakers are internationally recognized experts in their field. Online registration closes May 21, 2012.
4TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERNCE ON ESTABLISHMENT SURVEYS (ICESIV) – Montreal, Quebec, Canada – June 11–14, 2012: REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
The ICES series of conferences serves an important role in the world of survey methodology, as few others focus on methods and applications for establishment surveys. The first three, held at seven-year intervals from 1993 to 2007, were successful, with more than 400 delegates per conference. The conferences covered a broad spectrum of survey methods for businesses, farms, and institutions. Online registration is open through May 23.
THE QUANTATIVE ANALYSIS CENTER AT WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY PROJECT-BASED INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS WORKSHOP – Middletown, CT – June 14–15
This workshop is aimed at disseminating a project-based introductory statistics curriculum developed for use with undergraduate college students. The curriculum takes advantage of students’ natural curiosity and provides a common language for approaching questions across numerous scientific disciplines. Priority will be given to new faculty. Additional information on this project-based curriculum can be found here. Please contact Lisa Dierker for additional questions.
The 21ST AUSTRALIAN STATISTICAL CONFERENCE AND THE 8TH AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE ON TEACHING STATISTICS – Adelaide, South Australia – July 9–13, 2012
Adelaide will host two major statistical events at the Adelaide Convention Centre: The 21st Australian Statistical Conference (ASC 2012) will be held July 9–12, and the 8th Australian Conference on Teaching Statistics (OZCOTS 2012) will be held July 12–13. Early registration will be open through May 15. View the registration brochure and register online.
JOINT STATISTICAL MEETINGS 2012 – San Diego, CA – July 28–Aug 2
This year’s JSM, held in downtown San Diego’s convention center, will welcome one of the largest groups of individuals interested in and related to the advancement and study of statistics. Meeting activities include oral presentations, panel sessions, poster presentations, Continuing Education courses, and networking opportunities. Early registration will open on May 1.
YOUNG BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL STATISTICANS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL STATISTICS – Lisbon, Portugal – July 23–26, 2012
The Young Business and Industrial Statisticians (y-BIS) of the International Society for Business and Industrial Statistics is organizing its first international conference for undergraduates, PhD candidates, post-docs, assistant professors, and anyone studying statistics or who is interested in learning more about the profession. The deadline for abstract submissions is April 15. Register now.
2012 CONFERENCE ON HEALTH STATISTICS – WASHINGTON, DC – August 6–8, 2012
The biennial conference focuses on the critical importance of public health data in making an impact on the health and well-being of the U.S. population. Included in the 2012 conference is a one-day learning institute on August 6, in which participants will receive hands-on training in accessing and analyzing NCHS survey data and explore learning modules on the use of selected data access tools. This year’s expanded exhibitor showcase and poster sessions offer another venue for insight into NCHS survey operations and data analysis. All poster abstracts must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on April 16, 2012. Learn more.
CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH ON INCOME AND WEALTH – Boston, MA – August 15, 2012
The Bureau of Economic Analysis is hosting the 32nd General Conference of the International Association for Research on Income and Wealth. The meeting will be in Boston, Massachusetts, from August 5–11. Learn more. Registration is now open.
RSS 2012 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE – Telford International Centre, UK – September 3–6, 2012
Submission is open for contributed talks and posters for the Royal Statistical Society’s 2012 International Conference. The talks can be on any topic or area of interest related to statistics and the use of data. The deadline for submissions is March 30, 2012. The conference program will include plenary talks from Hal Varian (Google), Martine Durand (OECD), and David Hand (Imperial College), as well as more than 30 invited sessions covering topics as diverse as aging in the 21st century, experimental design challenges in industry, measuring national well-being, and statistics and the Olympics. The conference also will feature a stream of professional development workshops and a full pre-conference short course program. You can submit an abstract or register for the conference now.
2012 FDA/INDUSTRY STATISTICS WORKSHOP – Washington, DC – September 12–14, 2012
The ASA’s Biopharmaceutical Section will host the FDA/Industry Statistics Workshop from September 12–14 at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, DC. Short courses are scheduled for the first day, followed by two days of sessions on the science and statistics associated with developing new medical products (pharmaceuticals, biologics, and devices). The workshop has been popular since its inception because it is designed specifically for statisticians from industry, academia, and the FDA to enjoy an open dialogue about issues of mutual interest. Registration will open on June 4, 2012.
EVENTS CALENDAR
Statistical events are happening around the country and the globe. View our Upcoming Events Calendar.
Off the Press
AMSTAT NEWS
Bring Statistics to Policy Through Internships
This month’s science policy guest columnist, Mary Gray, provides a path for younger members of the statistical community to plant the seeds for influencing policymaking. Gray describes various benefits of internships, along with the legal aspects for ensuring a worthwhile experience. Read more.
SIGNIFICANCE MAGAZINE ONLINE WEB EXCLUSIVES
Risk Analysis in Action
This article takes a look at how infrastructure development consultancies and commercial finance programs play a role in identifying and managing risks so projects are able to obtain funding and be successful. Among the tools they use is risk analysis. Read more.
Read more web exclusives from Significance.
FEATURED ARTICLES FOR FREE DOWNLOAD
Free JBES Download! Forecast Rationality Tests Based on Multi-Horizon Bounds (with discussion), by Patton and Timmerman
Statistical Analysis and Data Mining Special Issue: 2011 SIAM International Conference on Data Mining
Issue 5:1 of Statistical Analysis and Data Mining includes extended versions of some of the best papers from the SDM 2011
To get the most out of your online subscriptions, be sure to register.
Member Opportunities
Lesson Plans Available on Statistics Education Web for K-12 Teachers
Statistics Education Web (STEW) is an online resource for peer-reviewed lesson plans for K-12 teachers. The lesson plans identify both the statistical concepts being developed and the age range appropriate for its use. The website resource is organized around the four elements in the GAISE guidelines: formulate a statistical question, design and implement a plan to collect data, analyze the data by measures and graphs, and interpret the data in the context of the original question. Teachers can navigate the site by grade level and statistical topic.
Lesson Plans Wanted for Statistics Education Web
The new editor of STEW, Mary Richardson of Grand Valley State University, is accepting submissions of lesson plans for an online bank of peer-reviewed lesson plans for K-12 teachers of mathematics and science. Lesson plans will showcase the use of statistical methods and ideas in science and mathematics based on the framework and levels in the Guidelines for Assessment and Instruction in Statistics Education (GAISE) Report: A Pre-K-12 Curriculum Framework. Consider submitting several of your favorite lesson plans according to the STEW template to steweditor@amstat.org.
2012 ASA POSTER AND PROJECT COMPETITIONS
Introduce K–12 students to statistics through the annual poster and project competitions directed by the ASA/NCTM Joint Committee on Curriculum in Statistics and Probability. The competitions offer opportunities for students to formulate questions and collect, analyze, and draw conclusions from data. Winners will be recognized with plaques, cash prizes, certificates, and calculators, and their names will be published in Amstat News. Posters for grade K–12 students are due every year on April 1. Projects, now for grades 7–12 students only, are due on June 1.
JANET NORWOOD AWARD
The Section on Statistical Genetics and the department of biostatistics in the school of public health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham request nominations for the 11th annual Janet L. Norwood Award for Outstanding Achievement by a Woman in the Statistical Sciences. The award recipient will deliver a lecture on September 12 at the UAB award ceremony and receive travel expenses and a $5,000 prize. Visit the UAB website for details.
ASA-SIAM
The electronic materials accompanying Mathematica Laboratories for Mathematical Statistics: Emphasizing Simulation and Computer Intensive Methods, by Jenny A. Baglivo (ASA-SIAM, 2005), have been updated for use with current versions of Mathematica and are now available online.
MATHEMATICS OF PLANET EARTH COMPETITION FOR AN OPEN SOURCE EXHIBITION OF VIRTUAL MODULES
This competition is part of the world initiative Mathematics of Planet Earth 2013 (MPE2013). The modules could be reproduced and used by institutions around the world, from science museums to schools. The exhibition will have a virtual part, as well as instructions to realize material parts. The competition will be open until May 15. Prize winners will be selected by an international jury nominated by MPE2013 and announced in August. The winning modules will occupy a prominent place on the website of the exhibition. Moreover, it is planned to show the modules of the overall winners in exhibitions and museums.
Statistics without Borders Seeks Volunteers for Instructors of Statistics and Survey Methods in North Korea
Statistics without Borders is looking for volunteer instructors to spend one to four weeks this July at the first Pyongyang Summer Institute in Survey Science and Quantitative Methodology (PSI) in North Korea. The courses would cover a variety of statistical and survey areas and take place at the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology. For more information, see the SWB Facebook page.
ASA ACCREDITATION PROGRAM CONTINUES TO GROW
The ASA’s accreditation program has recently expanded the benefits of becoming an Accredited Professional Statistician™. ASA accreditation is a portfolio-based credential available to only ASA members. It is completely voluntary and intended for those who think such a credential would be meaningful in their professional lives. New benefits include free LearnStat on Demand access, 20% discount on regular Continuing Education courses (starting at JSM 2012), and special recognition, including a special PStat®-only reception at JSM 2012. To find out how to start enjoying extra benefits today, visit the accreditation website and review the guidelines to be sure of your eligibility.
Feedback, comments, or suggestions are welcome please email asamail@amstat.org with your ideas.