Semiparametric regression methods build on parametric regression models by allowing more flexible relationships between the predictors and the response variables. Examples of semiparametric regression include generalized additive models, additive mixed models and spatial smoothing. The presenter’s goal is to provide an easy-to-follow applied course on semiparametric regression methods using R. There is a vast literature on the semiparametric regression methods. However, most of it is geared towards researchers with advanced knowledge of statistical methods. This course is intended for applied statistical analysts who have some familiarity with R.
This short course explains the techniques and benefits of semiparametric regression in a concise and modular fashion. Spline functions, linear mixed models and Bayesian hierarchical models are shown to play an important role in semiparametric regression. There will be a strong emphasis on implementation in R and rstan with most of the course spent doing computing exercises.
The workshop is based on the in-press book “Semiparametric Regression with R” by J. Harezlak, D. Ruppert and M.P. Wand (Springer, 2018), with web-site http://semiparametric-regression-with-r.net, and has the companion methodology and theory book “Semiparametric Regression” by D. Ruppert, M.P. Wand and R.J. Carroll (Cambridge University Press, 2003), with web-site http://www.stat.tamu.edu/~carroll/semiregbook/
About the Presenter
Matt P. Wand is a Distinguished Professor of Statistics at the University of Technology Sydney. He has held faculty appointments at Harvard University, Rice University, Texas A&M University, the University of New South Wales and the University of Wollongong. Professor Wand is an elected fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, the American Statistical Association and the Institute of Mathematical Statistics. He was awarded two of the Australian Academy of Science’s medals for statistical research: the Moran Medal in 1997 and the Hannan Medal in 2013. In 2014 he was awarded the Statistical Society of Australia’s Pitman Medal. He has served as an associate editor for several journals including Biometrika, Journal of the American Statistical Association and Statistica Sinica. He has co-authored 2 books, more than 100 journal articles and 6 R packages on semiparametric regression and related areas.
Further details about Professor Wand’s research, and every paper he has written, are on the web-site http://matt-wand.utsacademics.info
Target Audience
Most of the course will be geared towards researchers with intermediate to advanced knowledge of statistical, particularly regression methods.
Learning Objectives
1. Introduction to semiparametric regression at the applied level.
2. Implementation of the presented methods in R and rstan.
3. Application of the newly learned methods to a variety of datasets.
Workshop Fees
Payment received before 18 August 2018
SSA – Members – $150
Non-Members – $350
SSA Student Members – $ 100
Non Member Full-Time Students – $120 – includes 12 months of membership
Regular Fees – Payment received from 18 August 2018
SSA – Members – $200
Non-Members – $450
SSA Student Members – $ 150
Non Member Full-Time Students – $170 – includes 12 months of membership
All payment is due before the workshop.
As part of our sponsorship deal with RSFAS, ANU, we also have a special discount Members of RSFAS category set up, which will be priced at $50. This is set up especially for staff and students of RSFAS at ANU, and is capped at a maximum of 5 participants on a first-in-first-served basis. Note added on 24/07/18: This particular category is now sold out but general registration is still available.
Registrations close strictly on 24 August 2018. Should places still be available after this date, registration will incur an additional administration fee of $100. Please contact the SSA office at eo@statsoc.org.au to request manual registration.
Participant Requirements
1. Writing materials
2. Computer with R installed
3. Prior to attending the short-course participants need to install some additional R packages. The following web-site will have instructions about this by 11pm Monday 20th August 2018, which is more than 2 weeks before the short-course: http://matt-wand.utsacademics.info/SRwRS.html
What is included in the registration fee?
Registration costs include a hard copy of handouts, morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. Of course, you may also take advantage of some of the eateries available on the ANU campus or nearby.
Workshop Location
Lecture Theatre 1, ground floor
ANU College of Business & Economics, Building 26C, Kingsley Street, Acton
Travel Expenses
Occasionally workshops have to be cancelled due to a lack of subscription. Early registration ensures that this will not happen. However, please contact the SSA Office before making any travel arrangements to confirm that the workshop will go ahead, because the SSA will not be held responsible for any travel or accommodation expenses incurred due to a workshop cancellation.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received prior to Wednesday, 29 August 2018 will be refunded, minus a $25 admin fee. Cancellations need to be accompanied by a valid credit card number, expiry date and CVV number, which will be used to put the refund through. After this time no part of the registration fee will be refunded. However, registrations are transferable within the same organisation. Please advise any changes to eo@statsoc.org.au.
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