Five members of the R Core Team have been awarded the 2026 Rousseeuw Prize for Statistics for decades of work building and maintaining R as free, open-source software.
statisticians
Obituary: Arthur Pentland Dempster
Arthur Pentland Dempster, longtime Harvard statistics professor who developed the EM algorithm and Dempster-Shafer theory of belief functions, died on January 30, 2026, at age 96, leaving a lasting mark on statistical inference and fields from machine learning to artificial intelligence.
This Month in Statistics History: Spotlight on Statistical Ecology
The column traces the development of statistical ecology from 1902 to 1969, highlighting key milestones and figures—from early significance testing and random-walk models to biodiversity indices and pioneers like Charlotte Kipling and E. C. Pielou.
Professional Opportunities
Amherst College is hiring for a tenure-track position in statistics. Apply by October 5.
Events and Opportunities
New professional development opportunities, upcoming conferences, and opportunities to share your story with the ASA community.
Disability Pride Month: Statisticians with Physical and Mental Disabilities Who Contributed Remarkably to the Profession
To commemorate Disability Pride Month, we celebrate the accomplishments of individuals with disabilities and their contributions to statistics and the wider community.
What Makes a Statistician?
Jeri Mulrow reflects on professional identity, graduate school choices, internships, and job search strategies in a world where rigorous statistical thinking has never been more in demand.
‘JASA’ Special Issue Explores the Role of Statistical Science in AI Revolution
This special issue explores how the statistical community can shape the future of artificial intelligence through rigorous methodology, trustworthy systems, and deeper integration between statistical theory and AI’s computational power.
Member Showcase: Martha McRoy
Martha McRoy reflects on a career built around survey methodology, evidence-based decision-making, and a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of statisticians.
Leaders on Leadership, Careers, and the Future of Statistics
Two ASA Caucus of Industry Representatives board members Joseph Cappelleri of Pfizer and Ginger Holt of Databricks share insights on leadership, career growth, and the evolving skills statisticians need to thrive in industry.