RSS Conference 2019: Second Time Around

Over 600 statisticians, data scientists and analysts gathered in Belfast to share findings, exchange ideas, and build friendships.

This was my second time at the conference, and it was another swift learning experience.

(As I recall, this was my first time being used in promotional material.)

The conference lasted four days. (Source: RSS)

In short

• The Mirror and the Lamp: Statistics are a mirror on society, as well as a lamp for illumination.
• Rapid-fire: I gave a five-minute talk on the purported curse of Aaron Ramsey.
• Getting involved: The conference gave many opportunities for getting involved with the wider statistical community.

The Mirror and the Lamp

After rushing through an airport, I managed to arrive on time in the ICC Belfast. The first keynote presentation was by Siobhan Carey, the Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. Called ‘The Mirror and the Lamp’, the talk went through the usage and value of statistics in Northern Ireland, including for drawing the Irish border.

We were reminded that statisticians may have an image problem, with word clouds from selected audiences.