U.S. Chief Data Scientist Highlights Role of Statistics in Data Science

In a recorded message to attendees of the 2015 Joint Statistical Meetings, U.S. Chief Data Scientist DJ Patil spoke about why the work of statisticians is so critical to the country and urged more multidisciplinary collaboration. Saying statisticians are the backbone of how the United States has dealt with data for centuries and citing their contributions to innovation, Patil noted a new opportunity to become increasingly data-driven through greater collaboration among the many disciplines making up data science.

On the question of what to call yourselves—statisticians, data scientists, economists, …—Patil returned to the importance of working together to transform data into insight and wisdom, and, ultimately, better policy and evaluation of policy. He also noted the potential to, for example, create the next generation of health care and yield more benefit from data to local communities.

Speaking to students, Patil congratulated them on attending a research conference and implored them to treasure this time. He suggested students consider public service, a rewarding career given the scope and impact of the problems to be addressed, especially with a statistics background. Patil also noted the many amazing statisticians in federal service.

Watch Patil’s video message on YouTube.