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Nominees Sought for International Prize in Statistics
Nominations are now open for the 2027 International Prize in Statistics, a top honor recognizing individuals or teams whose work in statistics has made a major impact on science, technology, and society.
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Anny-Claude Joseph
Drawn to math and real-world problem-solving, Anny-Claude Joseph earned a doctorate in biostatistics at Virginia Commonwealth University. Now, as a faculty member at Wellesley College, she mentors students inspired to pursue careers in public service.
Maria Tackett
From an early age, Maria Tackett felt a passion for math, particularly solving puzzle-like problems. Now an associate professor of the practice at Duke University, she mentors students and collaborates with them to reach their goals.
James McCune Smith
James McCune Smith was the first professionally trained Black physician to practice in the United States. Smith’s work pioneered the use of statistical evidence to evaluate the efficacy of medical treatments and dismantle racist claims of Black biological inferiority.
William Edward Burghardt (W. E. B) Du Bois
W. E. B. Du Bois was the first African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard and one of the founders of the NAACP. He pioneered the development of sociology as a ‘scientific’ discipline, using sophisticated statistical methods and infographics.
Charles Bernard Bell Jr.
Charles Bernard Bell Jr. was a pioneering statistician elected as an ASA Fellow in 1970 and as an Institute of Mathematical Statistics Honored Fellow. Bell earned his doctorate in mathematical statistics from the University of Notre Dame in 1953.
Brittney Bailey
Brittney Bailey pursued graduate study at The Ohio State University, ultimately transitioning to a PhD program in biostatistics. Today, at Amherst College, Bailey advances research in mental health and aging.
Ott Scholarship Applications Open Until June 15
Applications are sought for the $7,500 Ellis R. Ott Scholarship for graduate students in applied statistics, quality management, and related fields.
Professional Opportunities
The National University of Singapore has postdoctoral positions.
‘STATtr@k’: A Starting Point
‘STATtr@k’ is the ASA’s hub helping students and early-career statisticians and data scientists launch their careers through internships, advice, resources, and community and visibility opportunities.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
SDSS registration opens, nominations are open for the 2026 Don Owen Award and ASA Fellow Award, a new Statistical Storytellers group is forming, and updates from ASA Executive Director Ron Wasserstein are online.
Two Ideas to Support and Reward Data Collectors
Data collectors are undervalued, and two key solutions—systematically tracking data with proper citations and DOIs and creating awards to recognize data stewardship—would better support and reward those who make high-quality data possible.
‘Practical Significance,’ Take Two: The Data We Need: The State of Federal Statistics
Two veteran leaders in federal statistics, Nancy Potok and Connie Citro, discuss with the “Practical Significance” hosts the urgent challenges facing US statistical agencies and their work with the ASA on assessing agency health and advancing modernization of the federal statistical system.
Statistics in History: Dry Month January
Statisticians from Henry Gellibrand to R. A. Fisher have long applied and developed key statistical methods using problems from brewing, winemaking, and other alcohol-related contexts.
Highlights of the November 21–22, 2025, ASA Board of Directors Meeting
The ASA Board’s November 2025 meeting covered bylaw updates, a new headquarters lease, and JSM 2030 plans, along with reports on education, fundraising, and federal statistical system initiatives.
NCES: Perspectives, Insights, and Recommendations from Former Leaders
Former NCES leaders explain how chronic staffing, contracting, and bureaucratic barriers undermined the agency’s ability to produce timely education statistics. They offer practical recommendations for rebuilding a stronger, more agile NCES.
University of Nebraska Regents Vote to Eliminate Statistics Department
In December, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents voted to eliminate its statistics department, prompting faculty to raise concerns about flawed evaluation metrics; lack of shared governance; and significant impacts on students, research programs, and faculty careers.
Erasing the Gap Between Statistics and Imaging: A Q&A with Marina Vannucci
SDSI, the ASA’s new open-access journal led by Marina Vannucci, is building a dedicated home for statistical imaging research and interdisciplinary collaboration, with early efforts focused on visibility and special issues.
Data for Good Challenge List: Top Issues and Actions for 2026
The 2026 Stats4Good Challenge List highlights key areas such as pandemic preparedness, deforestation, local data rescue, displaced scientists, and conflict zone analysis for impactful data projects.
Women’s Caucus Supports Inclusive Statistics, Data Science Community
The Caucus for Women in Statistics and Data Science promotes career advancement, professional visibility, and global collaboration for women in the field through conferences, advocacy, and educational initiatives.
Entries Sought for Statistical Significance Poster Competition
The Scientific and Public Affairs Advisory Committee’s Statistical Significance Poster Competition requires participants to submit a one-page poster and summary to showcase how statistics can improve society.
Nominations Open for AAPOR Achievement Award
Nominate a colleague for this lifetime achievement award, which recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to public opinion theory, research, methods, ethics, or public understanding.
SRMS Announces 2025 Accomplishments, 2026 Executive Members
The Survey Research Methods Section had a busy 2025 with strong JSM programming, awards, outreach, and webinars.
SLDS Conference Planned for NYC in November
The ASA’s Section on Statistical Learning and Data Science Conference will be held November 1–3 in New York City, bringing together academia, industry, and government to explore advances in statistical learning, AI, and inference.
WSDS Panel Held on Invisible, Mental Health Disability
A panel at the 2025 Women in Statistics and Data Science Conference explored invisible and mental health disabilities in statistics, ADA protections, and strategies for creating more inclusive workplaces.

























