The International Development Section (IDS) of the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) is looking for new members to join its committee for 2020.
As the then President said in his introduction to the RSS 2018-2022 Strategic Plan “We live in a world of ubiquitous data. Everywhere we turn we see debates to which statistics can contribute, such as those around “post truth”, artificial intelligence and evidence-informed policy. The world has also committed to a set of Sustainable Development Goals, which include indicators of progress. The context presents many opportunities for those of us who care about science, data, evidence and facts. The Royal Statistical Society is a community of such people, who work collectively for “data at the heart of understanding and decision-making”.”
The IDS exists to take forward the part of this agenda relating to international development. Over the years the committee has had members from academia, research bodies, development practitioners, and representatives from UK and international aid organisations.
Being a member of the committee is a commitment and can be a very rewarding experience. It is also an opportunity to actively engage with others who are interested in, and appreciate, the importance of statistics and who wish to be involved with helping those statisticians in less fortunate situations. We have three committee meetings a year, at Errol Street, which can also be attended remotely.
If you would like to be considered for the committee, simply send an email (subject line “IDS Committee 2020”) to Phil Crook at philcrook2011@gmail.com by 20 October, with a paragraph (up to 250 words) summarising your background, why you would like to join, and what you will contribute to the committee.
For the 2020 committee, we particularly welcome people who are keen to contribute new ideas for IDS activities, as well as actively help organise events at the RSS Conference and elsewhere. Links with statisticians in the developing world will be an advantage.
The RSS is committed to ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who care about good data and statistics. Please note that to take up a position you will need to be a fellow of the RSS.