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.
science policy
NIJ Looking for a Few Good Statisticians
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.
Bring Statistics to Policy Through Internships
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.
Statisticians and Clinicians: Collaborations Based on Mutual Respect
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.
Science Advocacy: What Is It and What Is the Role of Professional Societies?
Steve Pierson, ASA director of science policy, addresses what science advocacy is and how it benefits scientific professional associations.
Putting the Science in Forensic Science
Cliff Spiegelman, Adina Schwartz, and Katherine Philpott address the critical issue of forensic science reform.
Prioritizing ASA’s Science Policy
In March of 2008, the ASA created an Office of Science Policy to better integrate statisticians into the policymaking process. With the ASA’s office located so close to Washington, DC, the opportunity to interact with national policymakers beckoned and creation of this office took advantage of the opportunity to make the ASA’s presence and interests known to Congress and more broadly. The office also actively advocates for statistics research funding and funding for the federal statistical agencies. This month, ASA Director of Science Policy Steve Pierson describes how the ASA chooses the policy issues in which to engage.
Controlling Decennial Census Costs Major Theme of Senate Hearing
How to control costs of the 2020 decennial census dominated testimony and questioning during an April 6 Senate hearing.
What Statisticians Should Watch in Congress in 2011
The 112th Congress is well under way, with federal budget discussions grabbing most of the headlines. Once the fiscal year 2011 (FY11) budget is resolved, what are the issues that might interest ASA members in 2011? Which issues should ASA members contact their members of Congress about?
A Message from the Chair
David Marker recalls what the committee has done over the past year.