The Exeter Initiative for Statistics and its Applications (ExIStA) will promote the region’s statistical expertise.

New regional Statistics group launched at Exeter

A new network aiming to bring together statisticians working within the University, the private and the public sectors has recently been launched.  Jointly funded by the University and Exeter-based Select Statistics, the Exeter Initiative for Statistics and its Applications (ExIStA) will promote the region’s statistical expertise and open the door for possible collaboration between private and public sector organisations.

The initiative also aims to stimulate and encourage inter-disciplinary statistical activity. It will work to raise awareness of the use and value of statistical methods and to support statisticians in continuing to develop and apply their skills. It represents a significant opportunity for people from a variety of backgrounds who develop or apply statistical methods in their day-to-day work to come together to share skills and expertise.

Current plans include the formation of a local young statisticians group, a bi-monthly series of meetings, and a database of statistical skills that can be used to help find local expertise with a view to creating new collaborations.

A launch event was held at the end of November at the Innovation Centre on Campus. Posters were presented by ExIStA members highlighting the diversity of statistical activity from across the region. There was also an ideas wall where attendees could leave suggestions for activities, events and services that they would like to see ExIStA deliver in order to better support statistical work within the region and to promote the sharing of skills and interests between members.

Dr Tim Paulden, innovation and development manager at Exeter-based statistical modelling and research firm ATASS, said: "At the launch event there was a genuine buzz in the air. It's rare for people working in fields as diverse as climate science, medicine, finance, sports and politics to be able to come together to share their ideas and research like this – and thrilling to imagine the kind of collaborations that could spring out of the initiative."

The next event will be held on February 29. For more information, email Steve Brooks or visit the ExIStA website.

Date: 16 December 2011

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