This year has seen an explosion of innovation in statistics and data science. While much of it has been made possible by increases in computing capability and the ongoing AI revolution, statistical science remains the real power. And with these new capabilities, Data for Good researchers and advocates are empowered to accomplish more high-impact work than ever before.
The increasing visibility of statistics, data science, and AI gives us greater access to the public square. At the same time, it brings greater awareness to problems, and while the power of statistical science is greater than ever, distrust is at an all-time high. We, as advocates for both doing good and doing things right, hold in our hands the ability to reshape the public perception of statistics, data science, and AI.
The American Statistical Association as an institution and many of its members are active in developing and promoting statistics and data science curricula. Through membership in the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board, the ASA contributed to new standards for data science programs, three of which received accreditation this year.
As an advocate for Data for Good, I encourage the ASA through the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board to work toward making an ethics course a required part of accredited data science programs, just as it is in other professions but especially those in which statistics and data science play a vital role, such as medicine, law, and accounting.
In January, I highlighted a group of issues as top priorities for the D4G community in 2024. It is now my pleasure to recognize outstanding accomplishments in each of the five areas:
- Biostatistics Challenge: Local and Community Studies. Recognition goes to measles data and research from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including its longitudinal data, infographics, and other resources by state.
- The Environmental Advocacy Challenge put a focus on threatened and endangered species due to climate change, habitat loss, and many other factors. I recognize NOAA Fisheries for its aerial surveys of arctic marine mammals, especially its research, methods, and invaluable archive of past surveys.
- The Data Challenge addressed support and development of the global data ecosystem to support data for good. Recognition goes to the World Bank Group for its open data project, which includes resources for an array of important subjects collected in a single, consistent platform with country-level data from around the world.
- Data for Good Organization and Infrastructure: Recognition for collaboration with industry goes to the Michigan Institute for Data and AI in Society. Based at the University of Michigan, its conferences, events, and resources reach beyond academia to bring together university, government, and industry leaders, making it an example of cross-collaboration in data for good.
- The Human Rights Challenge identified ethical AI as one of the most important subjects in data for good today. Recognition goes to the National Science Foundation’s AI Centers for Trustworthy and Ethical AI. Established in 2020, the institutes include centers of excellence in ethical AI in areas such as bias in AI and law and the establishment of ethical standards.
Each of us can be part of making statistical science the beating heart of AI and the engine that powers greater good. Stats4Good exists to applaud and strengthen your work, provide resources, and foster greater connectivity within the data for good community.
David Corliss
With a PhD in statistical astrophysics, David Corliss works as a data scientist in industry. He serves on the ASA Board as a Council of Chapters representative and is the founder of Peace-Work, a data for good nongovernmental organization.
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