ASA Member News Archive
ASA Member News November 2013
November 2013 Edition
Statistical Outreach & News
ASA'S SPEED AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS AUSTRALIAN HONOR
ASA member and University of California at Berkeley statistics professor Terry Speed was honored with the 2013 Australia Prime Minister's Prize for Science in recognition of his life's work using statistics to solve real-world issues. Speed paved the way to modern biology and personalized medicine by interpreting the actions of thousands of genes. Today, he is using statistics to identify which cancers can kill and which don't need surgery. The award was presented October 29 by Prime Minister Tony Abbott. More information and a video.
THE ECONOMIST EXAMINES STATE OF SCIENCE RESEARCH
The quality and reproducibility of scientific research are examined in two articles—one an editorial—in the October 19 issue of The Economist. ASA member Victoria Stodden discusses scientists’ understanding of modern statistical techniques in Unreliable Research: Trouble at the Lab. The op-ed—Problems with Scientific Research: How Science Goes Wrong—charges that “modern scientists are doing too much trusting and not enough verifying.”
To receive updates about ASA science policy activities or news, follow us on Twitter: @ASA_SciPol. See recent Tweets at http://www.amstat.org/policy/.
Meetings, Education, & Events
69TH ANNUAL DEMING CONFERENCE ON APPLIED STATISTICS – Atlantic City, NJ – December 8–13
The website www.demingconference.com, which contains the full description of the 12 tutorials and following two-day short courses, is open for conference and hotel registration.
2014 ASA CONFERENCE ON STATISTICAL PRACTICE – Tampa, FL – February 20–22, 2014
The 2014 Conference on Statistical Practice in Tampa will bring together data analysts, researchers, scientists, and other statistical practitioners who engage in the application of statistics to solve real-world problems on a daily basis. In addition to concurrent sessions, career placement services, and a mentoring program, the conference will feature nine short courses and four tutorials that focus on the latest statistical methodologies, statistical designs, and analysis. Spaces in these courses are limited to ensure a dynamic learning environment. Register by January 2 to secure your seat and take advantage of the discounted rates!
SIAM CONFERENCE ON UNCERTAINTY QUANTIFICATION (UQ14) – Savannah, GA – March 31–April 3, 2014
UQ14 will bring together mathematicians, statisticians, scientists, and engineers with an interest in the development and implementation of uncertainty quantification methods. The goal is to provide a forum for sharing ideas and enhance communication among this diverse group of technical experts, thereby contributing to future advances in the field. The conference is being held in cooperation with the American Statistical Association, GAMM Activity Group on Uncertainty Quantification, and American Geophysical Union. Instructions for participating and more are available on the website.
2014 ASA Biopharmaceutical Section FDA-Industry Statistics Workshop – Washington, DC – September 22–24, 2014
The ASA Biopharmaceutical Section FDA-Industry Statistics Workshop is sponsored by the ASA Biopharmaceutical Section in cooperation with the FDA Statistical Association. Each year, the conference offers two days of invited sessions co-chaired by statisticians from industry, academia, and the FDA. In addition, short courses on related topics are offered the day prior to the workshop. Conference attendance is limited to 800 participants. The 2014 workshop session proposal submission site is now open! If you are interested in submitting a proposal for a concurrent session, short course, or town hall meeting, please submit online by December 16.
EVENTS CALENDAR
Statistical events are happening around the country and the globe. View our Upcoming Events Calendar.
Off the Press
AMSTAT NEWS
ASA SECTIONS: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
Part of “celebrating our past, energizing our future” is recognizing the importance of ASA sections in the life and growth of our association. Sections provide vital connections for our members, and they reflect the role of the ASA as the “Big Tent for Statistics.” Two months out from the start of our 175th anniversary year, we look at the past, present, and future of sections. Read more.
SIGNIFICANCE MAGAZINE ONLINE WEB EXCLUSIVES
THE PROBLEM WITH AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT STATISTICS
Since the publication of Poor Numbers, a healthy debate on the meaning of development statistics in the African context has ensued. Predictably, the emphasis in the media has been on the politics of the numbers. Inspired by the eternal phrase, “lies, damned lies, and statistics,” commentators and headlines have focused on the dark forces that tamper with numbers and consciously mislead the public discourse on development in Africa. Read more.
Read more web exclusives from Significance.
STATISTICS TEACHER NETWORK (STN) ISSUE 81 ONLINE!
The Statistics Teacher Network (STN) is a free newsletter published by the ASA/NCTM Joint Committee on Curriculum in Statistics and Probability for Grades K–12. Issue 81 of STN is online.
Member Opportunities
ASA ACCREDITATION PROGRAM CONTINUES TO GROW:Accredited Members
Special recognition to the following newly accredited members from October: Kyle Caudle of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Derek Young of The Pennsylvania State University, and Thomas Loughin of Simon Fraser University Surrey
LEARN MORE ABOUT ASA ACCREDITATION
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. Learn more by viewing this short webcast.
ASA’S GOT TALENT
In celebration of the ASA’s 175th anniversary, we bring to you ASA’s Got Talent, a talent competition! Contestants can submit a five-minute or shorter audition video for a chance to perform LIVE at JSM 2014 in Boston. Entries must have a statistical theme and contestants must be ASA members. Look for contest details in early December at www.amstat.org. Any questions can be directed to Talent@amstat.org.
SECTION ON STATISTICAL LEARNING AND DATA MINING JSM 2014 STUDENT PAPER COMPETITION
ASA AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES
2014 STUDENT INTERNSHIP LISTING
FREE LESSON PLANS AVAILABLE ON STATISTICS EDUCATION WEB FOR K–12 TEACHERS
Feedback, comments, or suggestions are welcome please email asamail@amstat.org with your ideas.