Statistics is the science concerned with developing and studying methods for collecting, analyzing, interpreting and presenting empirical data. It is a highly interdisciplinary field; research in statistics finds applicability in virtually all fields and research questions in the various fields motivate the development of new statistical methods and theory. In today’s world the importance of encouraging students to learn to work with and understand data has never been greater.  Career opportunities for trained statistical scientists are numerous and demand outstrips supply.  It is important to encourage the training of statistical scientists because sound data-based decision-making and public policies depend on the work of such individuals.  This fund is designed to provide support  and encouragement to students who are pursuing studies in the statistical sciences.

Academically we want this fund to support talented students to pursue their studies in the statistical sciences.  Doing so exposes them to excellent career opportunities that can literally lead them in a thousand directions and provide them with skills that are transferable and transportable to anywhere on the globe.  Society benefits when policies and decisions are guided by competent statistical scientists. Even if they do not become a professional statistician, the numeracy skills gained will enhance their ability to absorb and analyze information and to question intelligently the interpretation of that information and that makes for a better world citizen.