Abstracts

Abstracts will be published here once the conference programme has been finalised.

Day 1

Keynote

A peek around the corner : Some thoughts about the next five years

Vince Galvin, Chief Methodologist, Stats NZ

I’ll present some thoughts about some of the issues that I expect to dominate the Official Statistics aspects of Statistical practice. As well as highlighting a few issues in delivering accurate measures of things that matter, I’ll offer some more personal views about how some of the big trends will play out.

Session 1.1

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Session 1.2

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Careers Session 1

Theresa Nguyen, Senior Advisor, Recruitment and Talent Acquisition, Statistics New Zealand

Day 2

Keynote

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Session 2.1

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Session 2.2

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Careers Session 2

Industry Panel Discussion

Fiona Evans, Senior Managing Consultant Statistician, Data Analysis Australia.
Alex Jenkins, Director, WA Data Science Innovation Hub.
Natalia Kacperek, Chief Data Officer, WA Public Sector Commission.

Day 3

Keynote

Highlights from a career in applied statistics

Russell Thomson

In this talk, I will describe some of the more interesting projects, from a 2- year career in applied statistics. Some projects are interesting for their methods they combine; such as random forests, structural equation modelling, mixed effects models and modern multivariate techniques. Other projects are interesting because of the problems behind them, such as automated watering systems, evaluating marine parks and childhood predictors of adverse adult health conditions. I will also talk about the intersection between statistics and my other favourite topic, music.

Session 3.1

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Session 3.2

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Careers Session 3

Statistical consulting: Bridging the gap between numbers and advice

Joanne Potts

To be candid, I fell into statistical consulting back in 2012 by virtue of personal circumstances rather than an inherent ambition to run a business, but here we are, turning 12 years young in December and still going strong! Over the past decade I have found statistical consulting to be a highly rewarding profession. I have had the privilege of collaborating with some remarkable colleagues on a variety of interesting projects. I will take the opportunity in this presentation to highlight the enjoyable aspects of my experience as a statistical consultant, teaching professional development workshops (which I love!), and going on the odd field trip to far flung places like Barrow Island to catch burrowing bettongs and participating in detector dog training in Kosciuszko National Park.

In the spirit of honesty and transparency, I will also share the challenges I’ve encountered as well. By doing so, I hope to provide support and guidance to others who may be facing similar obstacles. These challenges include scope-creep, contending with messy datasets (and clients who aren’t exactly sure what they need), managing feelings of professional isolation, handling overwhelming workloads and addressing demanding and occasionally troublesome clients.