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.
In the United States today, the Data for Good community is being tested as seldom before. There is so much turmoil and uncertainty for so many of our cherished colleagues, who are concerned about their jobs, research, institutions, and—in some cases—even their freedom. And yet, these challenges are not wholly unknown to our history. The use of data and analytics during the Civil Rights Movement has not quite passed from living memory. It was used to document discrimination, identify patterns of discrimination, and provide the hard evidence that outlasts very real troubles of the day to drive true and effective change. The legacy of past challenges has given us tools, methods, and resources for rising to the challenge our generation faces today.
Data for Good practitioners have long fought against anti-science and conscious misinformation. Guided by its mission to “promote the practice and profession of statistics” and vision of “a world that relies on data and statistical thinking to drive discovery and inform decisions,” the American Statistical Association will continue its work to guide and protect the future of the statistical profession and its members. More than words on a webpage, the ASA has developed a wide array of resources to achieve this mission.
Getting Involved
In opportunities this month, we need to be thinking about our colleagues. Science is done by people, and people need our support today. The well-being of others must be preserved at this time. Reach out to those in the analytic community, especially those working in or affected by the turmoil in the federal analytics space. All of us can send letters, make phone calls, and take people aside at meetings to ask how they are doing. Help them know they are not alone and you are thinking about them. Even a brief message through social media can do wonders for a dear friend worried about what might happen next. Make your care and concern something that can be seen and felt in a kind and compassionate way. In the present crisis, we are all advocates—not only for our work but also for each other and the vision and mission of Data for Good as a powerful tool to change lives for the better through statistical science.
The ASA’s policy and advocacy team, led by Director of Science Policy Steve Pierson, is busy every day supporting the use of statistical science for data-driven decision-making in government, advocating for financial support for science, and advising policymakers on best practices for using statistical science to get the best results. In today’s environment, this includes being on the front line of the fight against misinformation. The ASA’s leadership in advocating for the use of statistical science in government supports all of us and our work.
Other ASA groups also play a leading role in addressing today’s challenges. The Committee on Scientific Freedom and Human Rights addresses concerns for scientists around the world, especially where scientists are subject to government coercion or misrepresentation. Another is the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Outreach Group, whose members support science by supporting statisticians and data scientists. Its mission extends beyond the ASA to include all scientists through information, webinars, conference sessions, and more. While its many resources are valuable, JEDI’s most important work—in my view—is providing a community and safe space where all people are valued simply because they are people and merit is recognized without regard to human bias.
ASA chapters play a central role in making all this a reality. As the tip of the spear for outreach, support, and action, local chapters are the most important way for members to connect with everything the ASA has to offer. Through networking with chapter members, you can talk with others facing the same challenges, learn from what they are doing, and gain advice and direction for weathering this storm. Chapter leaders will want to maintain strong connections with members to make sure they get the support they need. For statisticians and data scientists concerned today about their future and the future of the profession, my advice is to work closely with your local ASA chapter to gain support and leverage all the benefits the ASA has to offer.
Our response to the present crisis will define us outwardly as a professional society and inwardly as a community of scientists who support one another. We need to stay the course and remember the enormous impact we are having on people’s lives every day. Our mission to serve the greater good through statistics and data science is undiminished; if we weren’t having an impact, we would not be facing such headwinds. Take heart and be encouraged: This is our great moment, and we will rise to the challenge.
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