Past, Present, and Future of Statistical Science

Xihong Lin, Christian Genest, David L. Banks, Geert Molenberghs, David W. Scott, Jane-Ling Wang

"This collection of reminiscences, musings on the state of the art, and advice for young statisticians makes for compelling reading. There are 52 contributions from eminent statisticians who have won a Committee of Presidents of Statistical Societies award. Each is a short, focused chapter and so one could even say this is ideal bedtime (or coffee break) reading. Anyone interested in the history of statistics will know that much has been written about the early days but little about the field since the Second World War. This book goes some way to redress this and is all the more valuable for coming from the horse’s mouth…the closing chapter, the shortest of all, from Brad Efron: a list of "thirteen rules for giving a really bad talk". This made me laugh out loud and should be posted on the walls of all conferences. I shall leave the final word to Peter Bickel: "We should glory in this time when statistical thinking pervades almost every field of endeavor. It is really a lot of fun."—Robert Grant, in Significance, April 2017"This volume captures a broad range of views on what makes statistics interesting–with a focus that ranges across the mathematics of statistics, its partnership with computing, the role of statistics in science, the insights that it can provide into diverse areas of science, and the competing philosophies that underpin statistical practice. The contributions vary widely in their sophistication, from those that a first-year undergraduate may read and find interesting to those that make strong mathematical and/or statistical demands."—International Statistical Review, 2015"This work celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Committee of Presidents of Statistical Societies (COPSS) and the International Year of Statistics. ... Each contributing author is a past winner of a COPSS-sponsored award. This engaging, informative book will be useful for students and researchers planning on entering careers in statistics. … Highly recommended."—CHOICE, May 2015"… must-read for statisticians and provide[s] valuable insight for people who are training the next generation of statistical professionals … The book features 50 chapter authors, each of whom is a recipient of at least one of the awards sponsored by COPSS. It is a distinguished list of contributors, and not surprisingly, the book does not disappoint. … The COPSS book explores this present vibrancy and vitality across a range of topics that reflect the vast diversity of statistical practice. … What is particularly useful about this book—in my view—is the documentation of the stories of some statisticians, stories that have relevance for all of us, but perhaps especially for those new to the profession. … Indeed, for those new to our profession, the COPSS book presents an entire section directed to them titled Advice for the Next Generation. … the book contains some insightful nuggets about the future. … Fifty great thinkers about statistics provide the reader of the COPSS book with reminiscences to learn from, technical questions to tackle, and challenges that inspire."—The American Statistician, February 2015"Nat Schenker, president of the American Statistical Association, had this to say about Past, Present, and Future of Statistical Science: ‘It is a veritable feast, a 50-course buffet prepared by many of the most distinguished statisticians of our day. Enjoyable eating from start to end, and good for you, too.’"—Significance Recommended Reading, December 2014

• The History of COPSS. Reminiscences and Personal Reflections on Career Paths. Perspectives on the Field and Profession. Reflections on the Discipline. Advice for the Next Generation.