Statistical Society of Australia upcoming events

SSA and NZSA Mentoring Program Professional Skills Webinar Series. Webinar 1: Building a team, one person at a time (23 Apr 2026)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Join us for the SSA Mentoring Program Professional Skills Webinar Series, which in 2026 will be co-delivered with the NZSA Mentor Programme.

This online professional development series is invaluable to statisticians who are looking to improve and enhance their skills in communication, time and project management. You can attend individual workshops or enrol for the full series at a discounted rate.

In 2026 there will be four webinars, commencing with:

Building A Team, One Person At A Time

Presenter: A/Prof David Price, Doherty Institute

Date and Time: Thursday 23rd April 2026, 12pm AEST

Abstract

Building and managing a team is one of the most enjoyable aspects of any role, though it comes with its challenges. In this talk, the presenter will share his experiences from establishing a team at the Doherty Institute, comprising both collaborative (“consulting”) statisticians and post-doctoral research statisticians. The session will focus on processes developed to prioritise people, and on how these approaches can be applied by individuals even outside a formal team management role.

Presenter's Bio - Associate Professor David Price

David Price is a Principal Research Fellow and co-lead of Computational Sciences at the Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity, The University of Melbourne. He leads a team of biostatisticians and modellers providing collaborative statistical expertise to a broad range of infection and immunity research, while also building an independent research career developing and/or applying fit-for-purpose statistical methods for infectious diseases. He currently holds a Dame Kate Campbell Fellowship for excellence in research impact and leadership.

Webinars:

Webinar 1: Thursday 23rd April 2026 12pm AEST. Building a team, one person at a time - A/Prof David Price, Doherty Institute
Webinar 2: Thursday 7th May 2026 11am AEST. Effective networking as a statistician - Prof Kelley M Kidwell, University of Michigan
Webinar 3: Thursday 18th June 2026 12pm AEST. Robust reproducible research - Dr Simon Tuke, University of Adelaide
Webinar 4: Thursday 30th July 2026 12pm AEST. Unlock your Mentoring Potential - Lisa Thomasen, Fonterra, New Zealand

Fees:

Mentoring program participants: Free (both SSA and NZSA) Registration code required
Non SSA/NZSA Members: $60.00 per webinar
Non SSA/NZSA Members - Full Series (4 webinars*): $200.00
SSA/NZSA Members: $30.00 per webinar
SSA/NZSA Members - Full Series (4 webinars*): $100.00

* Please note that if you register for all four webinars, we will transfer your registration to the remaining sessions on your behalf.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations received prior to two weeks before the event will be refunded, minus the Stripe processing fee (1.75% + $0.30 per transaction) and an SSA administration fee of $20.

From then on, no part of the registration fee will be refunded. However, registrations are transferable within the same organisation. Please advise any changes to events@statsoc.org.au.

SSA and NZSA Mentoring Program Professional Skills Webinar Series. Webinar 2: Effective networking as a statistician (7 May 2026)

Thu, 07 May 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Join us for the SSA Mentoring Program Professional Skills Webinar Series, which in 2026 will be co-delivered with the NZSA Mentor Programme. This online professional development series is invaluable to statisticians who are looking to improve and enhance their skills in communication, time and project management.

Webinar 2:

Effective Networking as a Statistician

Presenter: Prof Kelley M Kidwell, University of Michigan

Date and Time: Thursday 7th May 2026, 11am AEST

Abstract

Effective networking is a critical but often under (or never) taught professional skill for statisticians at all career stages. In this seminar, we will reframe networking as a purposeful, values driven practice focused on building authentic, mutually beneficial professional relationships rather than transactional exchanges. Designed for both mentors and mentees, the talk will address how networking goals and strategies evolve across career stages and roles, and how mentors can actively support mentees in developing sustainable professional networks. Drawing on examples from academia, collaborative research, and professional service, the seminar will cover practical approaches to networking in one on one, group, and virtual settings; strategies for initiating and maintaining professional connections; and common barriers to networking, including discomfort, power dynamics, and time constraints. Participants will also discuss how inclusive and intentional networking strengthens mentoring relationships and contributes to long term career development within the statistical community. The session will be interactive and reflective, with actionable takeaways for integrating networking into everyday professional practice.

Presenter's Bio - Professor Kelley M. Kidwell

Kelley M. Kidwell is Professor of Biostatistics and Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs in the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on the design and analysis of clinical trials, with methodological work aimed at better aligning how medicine and public health are practiced—through individualized, sequential decision-making—with how they are experimentally studied. Her collaborative research spans diverse clinical areas, including mental health, substance use, pain, and perioperative care. In addition to her research, she is deeply committed to graduate and professional development and created the course Graduate Student and Professional Success Skills for MS and PhD students in Biostatistics to address essential skills often absent from the technical curriculum.

Webinars:

Webinar 1: Thursday 23rd April 2026 12pm AEST. Building a team, one person at a time - A/Prof David Price, Doherty Institute
Webinar 2: Thursday 7th May 2026 11am AEST. Effective networking as a statistician - Prof Kelley M Kidwell, University of Michigan
Webinar 3: Thursday 18th June 2026 12pm AEST. Robust reproducible research - Dr Simon Tuke, University of Adelaide
Webinar 4: Thursday 30th July 2026 12pm AEST. Unlock your Mentoring Potential - Lisa Thomasen, Fonterra, New Zealand

Fees:

Mentoring program participants – Free (both SSA and NZSA) Registration code required
Non SSA/NZSA Members – $60.00
SSA/NZSA Members – $30.00

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations received prior to two weeks before the event will be refunded, minus the Stripe processing fee (1.75% + $0.30 per transaction) and an SSA administration fee of $20.

From then on, no part of the registration fee will be refunded. However, registrations are transferable within the same organisation. Please advise any changes to events@statsoc.org.au.

SSA and NZSA Mentoring Program Professional Skills Webinar Series. Webinar 3: Robust reproducible research (18 Jun 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Webinar 3:

Robust Reproducible Research

Presenter: Dr Simon Tuke, University of Adelaide

Date and Time: Thursday 18th June 2026, 12pm AEST

Abstract

“You did an analysis for me two years ago, well I have some new data to add to it”. Welcome to the world of statistical consulting. So how do we get from WTF to no hassle? In this webinar, we will look at some of the tools of the trade to ensure that the analysis you do today will make sense to future you. Topics covered with be project structure; version control; using quarto; and leaving breadcrumbs. Come along and see if there is anything that the presenter does, that you could steal.

Presenter's Bio - Dr Simon Tuke

Dr Tuke started his career as a veterinarian. After 12 years, he headed back to university to study maths and ended up with a PhD in statistics. He now lectures in statistics at the University of Adelaide and strongly believes that everyone should know stats.

Webinars:

Webinar 1: Thursday 23rd April 2026 12pm AEST. Building a team, one person at a time - A/Prof David Price, Doherty Institute
Webinar 2: Thursday 7th May 2026 11am AEST. Effective networking as a statistician - Prof Kelley M Kidwell, University of Michigan
Webinar 3: Thursday 18th June 2026 12pm AEST. Robust reproducible research - Dr Simon Tuke, University of Adelaide
Webinar 4: Thursday 30th July 2026 12pm AEST. Unlock your Mentoring Potential - Lisa Thomasen, Fonterra, New Zealand

Fees:

Mentoring program participants – Free (both SSA and NZSA) Registration code required
Non SSA/NZSA Members – $60.00
SSA/NZSA Members – $30.00

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations received prior to two weeks before the event will be refunded, minus the Stripe processing fee (1.75% + $0.30 per transaction) and an SSA administration fee of $20.

From then on, no part of the registration fee will be refunded. However, registrations are transferable within the same organisation. Please advise any changes to events@statsoc.org.au.

ICOTS -12th International Conference on Teaching Statistics (12 Jul 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The 12th International Conference on Teaching Statistics (ICOTS 12), to be held in Brisbane, 12–17 July 2026, will be the first time ICOTS will be hosted in Australia.

We are delighted to announce the ICOTS 12 keynote speakers:

• Prof Mine Çetinkaya–Rundel – Duke University

• Prof Dianne Cook – Monash University

• Emeritus Prof Sir Peter Donnelly – Genomics PLC, University of Oxford

• Prof Rob Gould – UCLA

• Dr Elena Proden – UNITAR

These outstanding speakers will bring a wealth of expertise and perspectives to ICOTS 12, setting the stage for an inspiring and thought-provoking program.

Key dates:

• Abstract submission deadline: 31 August 2025

• Notification of acceptance: 30 September 2025

• Optional refereed paper submission deadline: 30 November 2025

• Final papers (refereed and non-refereed) due: 30 April 2026

All accepted abstracts will appear in the official Conference Program and online Proceedings. Oral presenters are encouraged (but not required) to prepare a full paper for the Proceedings. Refereed papers will be clearly labelled as such.

For more information, please visit: https://icots12.oa-event.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Brisbane in 2026 for this landmark event in statistics education!

SSA and NZSA Mentoring Program Professional Skills Webinar Series. Webinar 4: Unlock your Mentoring Potential (30 Jul 2026)

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Webinar 4:

Unlock your Mentoring Potential

Presenter: Lisa Thomasen, Fonterra, New Zealand

Date and Time: Thursday 30th July 2026, 12pm AEST

Abstract

Mentoring can be a gamechanger for many individuals, with participants from both the SSA and NZSA Mentoring Programs sharing the benefits they’ve experienced. Every mentoring relationship is unique, with experiences varying widely. This session will explore some of the key differences between mentoring relationships with a focus on formality, longevity and preparation including tips on how to customise your mentoring relationship to make mentoring work for you.

Presenter's Bio - Lisa Thomasen

Lisa Thomasen has been a consultant statistician in industry for the past decade and is currently lead research statistician at Fonterra in New Zealand. Her work includes modelling milk powder functionality, analysing cheesecake performance, and investigating consumer preferences of yoghurts. Lisa co-ordinates the New Zealand Statistical Association (NZSA) mentoring program and was the 2024 recipient of the NZSA Campbell Award for her advocacy for students, early-career, and professional statisticians alongside her mentoring and community-building initiatives in this space.

Webinars:

Webinar 1: Thursday 23rd April 2026 12pm AEST. Building a team, one person at a time - A/Prof David Price, Doherty Institute
Webinar 2: Thursday 7th May 2026 11am AEST. Effective networking as a statistician - Prof Kelley M Kidwell, University of Michigan
Webinar 3: Thursday 18th June 2026 12pm AEST. Robust reproducible research - Dr Simon Tuke, University of Adelaide
Webinar 4: Thursday 30th July 2026 12pm AEST. Unlock your Mentoring Potential - Lisa Thomasen, Fonterra, New Zealand

Fees:

Mentoring program participants – Free (both SSA and NZSA) Registration code required
Non SSA/NZSA Members – $60.00
SSA/NZSA Members – $30.00

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations received prior to two weeks before the event will be refunded, minus the Stripe processing fee (1.75% + $0.30 per transaction) and an SSA administration fee of $20.

From then on, no part of the registration fee will be refunded. However, registrations are transferable within the same organisation. Please advise any changes to events@statsoc.org.au.