The RSS Celebrating Diversity Special Interest Group and Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland (BioSS) organised a session as part of the 2026 International Day of Women in Statistics and Data Science (IDWSDS2026) on “The Role of Data Modelling for Better Outcomes in Women’s Health”.
The session brought together leading speakers to explore how advanced data modelling can improve outcomes in women’s health, particularly through equity-focused and locally led approaches. The session also highlighted the importance of women as data scientists and modellers to ensure better healthcare outcomes.
Dr Halima Twabi (University of Malawi) highlighted capacity building in Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasising strengthening local expertise, training and supporting women data scientists, and applying advanced statistical and causal inference methods to complex health challenges.
Dr Annabel Sowemimo (King’s College London, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust) contributed a critical perspective on structural inequalities, addressing racism and the need to decolonise healthcare systems.
Dr Lucy Teece (AstraZeneca, Celebrating Diversity SIG co-chair) focused on insights from industry on the role of biometrics in cancer drug development.
Together, the speakers demonstrated how inclusive and diverse, collaborative modelling approaches can generate more relevant, impactful, and equitable evidence for women’s health research and policy.
Link to the full review of the event: The Role of Data Modelling for Better Outcomes in Women’s Health: BioSS & RSS Celebrating Diversity IDWSDS2026 session | Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland