Chaitra H. Nagaraja, Scientific and Public Affairs Advisory Committee Chair
Amstat News is spotlighting ASA committees and their activities. This month, we feature the Scientific and Public Affairs Advisory Committee and ask Chaitra Nagaraja a few questions about the committee’s purpose and goals.
In your own words, what is the purpose of your committee?
Members of the ASA Scientific and Public Affairs Advisory Committee keep track of and are responsive to current events relating to the collection, analysis, and use of statistics. We help decide whether the ASA should comment on, or even support, for example, rule changes or legislation, generally in the federal government. At times, we draft these statements, as well.
Given the ever-expanding role of data in public life, there is much to discuss. The issues we focus on during our meetings reflect the varied interests of our members.
Why did you accept the position to chair the committee?
I’ve been interested in policy issues and the history of official statistics since I was a researcher at the US Census Bureau. These interests were what spurred me to join SPAAC.
I’ve enjoyed serving on the committee and became chair to have a larger impact on policy decisions.
How often does the committee meet to plan activities?
We meet online once a month and have discussions through email during the intervening periods.
What are some recent or upcoming committee events you would like to highlight?
From commenting on federal policy to helping draft amicus briefs, SPAAC has been involved in a range of activities. Here are a few recent examples:
- Last year, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy posted a request for information in the Federal Register about developing a federal scientific integrity policy framework. The framework would apply across federal agencies and provide a single set of guidelines to manage the interface between government and science. We were interested in responding not only because statistics is a core part of science, but because of our members’ prior work on thinking about similar frameworks for federal statistical agencies. Last April, the ASA submitted a response written jointly by SPAAC and the ASA Committee on Professional Ethics.
- As part of our outreach during each JSM, we organize the Statistical Significance poster competition. Last year, we had more than 30 contenders. In addition to presenting their poster at JSM, participants created a one-page piece illustrating for a general audience how their research benefits society. The winning entry focused on using statistics to more efficiently schedule surgeries. We enjoyed meeting the presenters in person, the first time since the pandemic began.
- We’ve also provided ongoing feedback to the ASA regarding draft legislation by the Department of Education on advancing access to data science curriculum from preschool onward. As all of us must manage uncertainty in our lives and an increasing number of jobs require the use of data, educating students from an early age about statistics and data science topics is important. This data literacy bill was written by ASA Science Policy Fellow Ed Wu and ASA Director of Science Policy Steve Pierson, both of whom are ASA staff liaisons to SPAAC. Since JSM was in Washington, DC, last year, the ASA organized congressional visits for interested members to advocate for the bill’s introduction.
What are some upcoming events you are most excited about?
The final report from the Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence Building was recently published. This committee was formed to provide guidance for following through with the aims of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018.
SPAAC is looking forward to watching the implementation of the committee recommendations and contributing to the discussion when appropriate. For example, at our most recent meeting, members we advised on an ASA letter to the Office of Management and Budget to promote the Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence Building and advocate for boosting the staff of the chief statistician.
Any additional information or news you’d like to share about the committee with ASA members?
I encourage everyone to communicate with us about issues you believe statisticians and statistics should have a higher profile on. This committee is an important conduit between ASA members and the ASA Board and staff. You can also get involved by advocating for the data literacy bill with your congressional delegation or volunteering to serve on the committee.
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