IDWSDS25 Keynote1: The Three Rs: Reliable, Rigorous and Robust

Madhumita (Bonnie) Ghosh-Dastidar presents our Keynote 1: The Three Rs: Reliable, Rigorous and Robust
Thriving in any environment necessitates the application of reliable, rigorous, and robust scientific principles. As statisticians and data scientists, we play a crucial role in ensuring that evidence-based decision-making is deliberate and supported by principles that yield objective evidence. Our expertise uniquely positions us to contribute across various domains, particularly in health policy.

In this talk, I will share my experiences as a statistician working within multi-disciplinary teams to analyze the impact of environmental factors on mental and physical health. I will provide concrete examples from health policy research that demonstrate the significant contributions of statistical science. By employing robust study designs, we can effectively evaluate the outcomes of environmental interventions on health. Through innovative modeling techniques for observational data, we can identify improvements in health and well-being. Moreover, by leveraging comprehensive primary data collection and community- engagement, we can explore how socioeconomic factors influence individuals' capacity to thrive in their environments.

Drawing from these successes, I will also highlight future opportunities for statisticians to make impactful contributions in critical areas where the stakes are high. Involving statistical expertise will be essential for developing effective policy solutions that promote thriving communities.