Each year in April, Earth Day offers an opportunity to refocus on protecting this planet we share with all living things. This year, David Corliss focuses on opportunities to address one of the most pressing challenges facing us today: mass extinction.

To strengthen the connection between the statistical community and National Science Foundation, we asked NSF program officer Samuel Scheiner about the Division of Environmental Biology. NSF also funded an initiative by Ali Rahnavard and Keith Crandall to study SARS-CoV-2’s evolution. Here, they discuss what their research will accomplish and offer advice about applying for NSF funding.

As part of its science policy work, the ASA organized a congressional briefing in January to highlight the role of statistics and research in informing criminal justice policymaking. Moderated by Greg Ridgeway, the virtual event featured Nancy La Vigne, director of the National Institute of Justice, and Kevin Scott, acting director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

In keeping with our tradition of interviewing leaders from the federal government, we spoke with a West Point professor, Col. Nicholas Clark, who specializes in teaching statistics to military personnel.

This month, David Corliss discusses the importance of building relationships with local subject experts and data stewards as the first step in developing community-based projects.

Since 2024 is an election year, US state legislatures are focusing on goals the public will notice. Statistics and data will play a vital role in identifying those goals, delivering beneficial results, and measuring impact, so columnist David Corliss provides tips for getting started in advocacy.

This annual call to action highlights a challenge in five areas: biostatistics; environmental advocacy; human rights; data; and organization and infrastructure. Learn how you can tackle one or more.

David Corliss recognizes outstanding accomplishments this year.

The Union of Concerned Scientists’ Science for Public Good Fund offers grants up to $1,500 to support science in service to the public, making it ideal for a wide range of data for good advocates and projects.

Bhramar Mukherjee of the University of Michigan was recently honored with the 2023 Karl E. Peace Award for Outstanding Statistical Contributions for the Betterment of Society, recognizing her commitment to and accomplishments in biostatistics on a global scale.