Steve Pierson, ASA director of science policy, discusses the growing numbers of statistics degrees.

Michael W. Horrigan discusses Big Data from his perspective at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The ASA participated in the annual Coalition for National Science Funding Exhibition and Reception for the third straight year on May 15 and featured the National Science Foundation-supported work of University of Georgia professor Lily Wang. The evening reception attracted 270 people, including five members of Congress. The purpose of the event, now in its 18th year, is to highlight to congressional members and staff some of the research the NSF funds.

Amstat News is inviting articles for a new series called “Statistics for Policymakers” based on the broad interest in a January blog entry on the ASA Community called “Statistics for Future Presidents.”

Gerald LaPorte, a physical scientist at the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and David Fialkoff, an NIJ contract writer, describe steps NIJ has taken over the last few years to address weaknesses in forensic science identified in the 2009 National Academies Report, Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward.

Christine Franklin, Lothar Tresp Honoratus Honors Professor in Statistics at the University of Georgia, shares her advice with those seeking to have more statistics in their state’s education curriculum.

The president’s Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13) budget request included some bright spots for research funding agencies and the federal statistical agencies.

Mary Gray, professor of mathematics and statistics at American University, describes various opportunities and benefits of internships, along with the legal aspects for ensuring a worthwhile experience.

Donald A. Berry, professor of biostatistics at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, describes his policies and philosophy for developing collaborations between statisticians and clinicians.

Steve Pierson, ASA director of science policy, addresses what science advocacy is and how it benefits scientific professional associations.