Very sorry to hear this Alice. I've always thought the central model of ANU was ideal, compared with lots of other universities where statisticians are spread across departments and don't get to discuss problems or work together. There's also a massive current shortfall nationally in statistical skills. Most other fields of research rely on expert statistical input to ensure all their hard work isn't wasted on a flawed analysis. I know lots of scientists from a wide variety of fields appreciate the value of statisticians, hopefully ANU can be convinced that this is a bad idea.

Dear statisticians in Australia and New Zealand, I’m writing to inform you of a threat to the existence of statistical consulting at the Australian National University in Canberra. On 17 February 2021 a proposal was released by the Portfolio of Research & Innovation to disestablish the Statistical Consulting Unit (SCU).

The SCU was formed in 1982 as a collaborative unit that specialises in statistical applications to academic research. Its main role is to provide expert statistical advice to PhD and other research students and staff in study design, data collection and data analysis across all disciplines.

It’s a highly regarded unit and the ANU acknowledges that the SCU provides a valued service for researchers and students across campus. Nonetheless COVID budget pressures have led to this essential part of ANU’s research infrastructure being threatened with closure in the next couple of months.

There is a period of consultation on the proposal for the next two weeks only (closing Wednesday 3 March). If Australia's national research university can consider travelling down this path, then no such services are secure.

The full proposal can be found at https://www.anu.edu.au/files/guidance/Research%20and%20Innovation%20Portfolio%20-%20Managing%20Change%20Proposal%20Phase%201_17022021.pdf.

Alice Richardson, Director, SCU.