Dear {Contact_First_Name},
Today is R U OK? Day. It's a day of significance, dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. It's a day to ask a simple yet powerful question: "Are you okay?"
The origin of R U OK? Day can be traced back to 2009, when it was founded by Gavin Larkin. Gavin was inspired to start the initiative following the tragic loss of his father to suicide in 1996. Although Gavin had enjoyed over 13 years of success in the advertising industry, he felt he was on a trajectory like his father's. Unhappy with his own life and self-described as somewhat abrasive, he chose to leverage his marketing expertise and connections for a worthy cause. By collaborating with media outlets and enlisting the support of well-known celebrities, he quickly turned the campaign into a resounding success.
Sadly, Gavin Larkin passed away in 2011 from cancer, but his legacy continues to live on through the R U OK? Day campaign. The campaign has been subject to studies that suggest it improves helping beliefs and outcomes. One of the studies, "Australian R U OK? Day campaign: improving helping beliefs, intentions and behaviours", published in the International Journal of Mental Health Systems in September 2019 aimed to evaluate the R U OK? Day campaign's effectiveness in suicide prevention. Data from participants collected in 2017 showed that campaign awareness and participation increased from 66% and 19% in 2014 to 78% and 32% respectively. Exposure to the campaign led to stronger beliefs in the importance of asking "Are you okay?" and increased the likelihood of taking recommended helping actions from two to three times. Those exposed to the campaign were up to six times more likely to reach out to someone in need. Additionally, people who had sought mental health help in the past year were more likely to be aware of and participate in the campaign. The study concluded that the campaign is increasingly effective over time in raising awareness, encouraging participation, and improving helping beliefs and behaviours. (The study defines "Helping beliefs" as "beliefs about the importance and ease of asking a friend who appeared to be troubled about their wellbeing").
Asking "Are you okay?" is not just a social nicety; it is a lifeline thrown to someone who might be struggling. It is akin to offering a cup of tea to someone who has had a bad day, but with potentially life-altering consequences. The question serves as an invitation for open dialogue, a safe space where concerns can be voiced: "Come on in, let's talk."
To help support you to have that conversation, Liana Busoli of Big Life put together a comprehensive guide on her blog: "How to Have Conversations About Mental Health". This blog post offers a step-by-step approach to ensure that you have actionable insights, tips and professional referrals when approaching someone experiencing distress.
So, on this R U OK? Day please take a moment to ask someone if they are okay. You might just save a life. And remember, it's not just about one day; it's about creating a culture of care that lasts all year round. |
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If you are currently in a mental health crisis, please call:
LIfeline - 13 11 14
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732
Call 000 if you are in immediate danger. |
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Introducing SSA Vice President Lynne Giles
Meet Associate Professor Lynne Giles, newly appointed Vice President (VP) of the Statistical Society of Australia. SSA’s Vice-President has two one-year terms: the first precedes their two-year Presidential term, and the second follows their Presidential term. In their first year as Vice-President, the Vice-President prepares for their Presidential term, and in their second year as Vice-President, they mentor the incoming President.
SSA President Professor Ian Gordon (IG) recently asked Lynne (LG) some questions, giving her the opportunity to share her journey, from her early interest in mathematics to her current role in academia and the SSA, thus allowing our members to get to know their new VP.
IG: What first excited you about statistics?
LG: I always liked maths at school but didn’t really know about where that might lead. I started an undergraduate degree in Science at Flinders University to figure things out, and found that I enjoyed maths the most of the subjects I took in my first year (along with really NOT enjoying ‘bench’ sciences – it turns out that I’m dangerous in a laboratory)! In my second year, I took statistics with John Darroch and then learnt about linear models with Alan Branford and Gary Glonek, and I loved those subjects – and my path in statistics was set from that point on!
I was excited by the applied aspects of statistics and writing about findings to communicate statistical work with people from other disciplines. I still enjoy doing that when I get I get the chance to these days!
IG: Where do you live and work?
LG: I live in Adelaide, and work in the School of Public Health at The University of Adelaide, where I have worked for the past 15 years. I have a teaching and research position as an Associate Professor of Biostatistics in the School, and teach into the Master of Public Health at the University of Adelaide and Master of Biostatistics through the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia.
IG: Do you remember when you first became aware of the SSA? What was your early experience of it?
LG: My first job as a freshly minted Honours graduate was at the Waite Agricultural Research Institute (as it was known back then). The statisticians in the Biometry group at that time – Trevor Hancock, Stan Eckert, and Sandra Pattison - were all active members of the SA branch of SSA and encouraged me attend the February meeting in 1990 with them. So I went along (because I thought I had better go if they suggested it!) and joined the Society after that first meeting. I got to hear about a lot of new ideas in a range of different areas in the first few years of attending meetings. It exposed me to the huge diversity of work that was, and is, being done in statistics in South Australia and nationally as well. Then – as now – the branch and national meetings were welcoming and helped to foster the early careers of statisticians in a supportive way. In time, I took on roles on the Statistical Society SA branch committee and served spells as branch secretary and president in due course. More recently, I became involved at a national level when I joined the Accreditation Committee in 2019.
IG: What are your hopes for the SSA over the next four years? LG: I hope to continue to improve the perception of statisticians as a profession and encourage greater awareness of our discipline in the wider community. I know that establishing careers and securing research funding is increasingly challenging for younger statisticians, so I am keen expand some of the mentoring initiatives that recent presidents have initiated. |
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Cracking the Code: Making Statistical Methodology Research Accessible Through PPIE and Animation
Thank you to SSA Honorary member, Professor Annette Dobson, who drew my attention to a webpage published by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.
It delves into the often-overlooked importance of consumer and community engagement, or as they call it in the UK, “Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE)” in statistical methodology research within healthcare.
While PPIE is a staple in applied research like clinical trials, its role in statistical methodology is less understood.
The article highlights a groundbreaking initiative by the University of Leicester, in collaboration with Nifty Fox Creative, to develop an animation that demystifies this complex subject for the layperson. The animated guide aims to help public contributors understand and engage in statistical methodology research. The ultimate goal? To improve healthcare outcomes through better data analysis, one animated frame at a time.
This paper provides background information on the reasons for creating the video. Marie-Louise Rankin
SSA Executive Officer |
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The latest episode of The Random Sample is now out!
Our guest is author and statistician Professor Jeffrey Rosenthal from the University of Toronto. Jeffrey wrote a book at probability and randomness for a broad audience. What are some of the (bad) things we overestimate happening in our life, and how should we look at things like chance encounters, etc? Jeffrey does a lot of science communication, videos, talks about this, so this was a great opportunity to pick his brain. Listen to the podcast here. |
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Beyond the Textbook: Discover Engaging and Creative Statistics Reads
If the thought of reading about statistics conjures up images of hefty textbooks, you're in good company. However, there's a wide array of statistics books that are not only informative but also captivating and imaginative. Browse through this selection to find some of the most enjoyable statistics books to add to your reading collection.
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PhD Opportunity in Missing Data Methodology We are seeking an enthusiastic, well-trained individual with an undergraduate degree and an Honours or Masters degree in statistics (or closely related discipline) to undertake a PhD project in missing data within the Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit (CEBU) at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and the University of Melbourne (UoM), Victoria. The focus of this project will be on methodology for handling missing data in outcome-wide epidemiology, and it will be conducted under the supervision of Prof Katherine Lee and Dr Rheanna Mainzer. As a PhD student in CEBU, you will have access to a network of experts in biostatistics and a range of professional development opportunities. Find out more. |
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Shape the Future of Data Analytics in Australia: Participate in the 2023 IAPA Skills & Salary Survey Now
The Institute of Analytics Professionals of Australia (IAPA) is calling on Australian data analytics professionals to play their part and complete its 2023 IAPA Skills & Salary Survey.
This important survey shines the spotlight on modern data analytics professionals by exploring the technical and soft skills in demand, platforms increasingly being adopted, priorities of the role, team structures, alignment to other cross-functional functions and more. The survey is also a critical information source for how IAPA, as the largest analytics community in Australia, supports and serves its members.
Help IAPA by having your say in the 2023 edition of the IAPA Skills & Salary Survey and click through the link below.
Start survey here
The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. Those who choose will then go in the prize draw to win one of five $200 gift tokens (terms and conditions here). Responses must be in by 29 September 2023. |
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Last chance to participate in the 2023 Datathon Are you a researcher? If so, you are invited to take part in this year’s U.N. Datathon with the Australian Data Science Network. The ADSN would like to organise multiple teams for this year’s event. Ideally, they are looking to put together teams with members from different organisations and universities.
This year’s Datathon runs the weekend of 3-6 November. The organisers hope to get enough interest to create an ‘ADSN Satellite Datathon’ event in Australia where teams could come together.
Please consider this exciting opportunity. If interested, complete the expression of interest form. It will take less than two minutes to complete.
The theme for this year’s Datathon will be announced near the event with it, of course, focusing on UN SDGs. Teams must submit applications by the end of September, so the ADSN would like to encourage researchers who are interested to fill out the form by Tuesday, 19 September. That will give the ADSN time to put together teams and organise our event. |
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Mentioned in previous newsletters: |
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Nurture your statistical career – Join SSA's 2024 Mentoring Program
Applications will open on 2nd October and close on 30 October. The application form will be available from 2nd October on the SSA Mentoring website. |
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SSA Vic & Tas - Early Career and Student Statistician Showcase
Are you thinking about a career in statistics and data science? Currently in a degree or looking to make a career shift? Join us to hear different perspectives of what a career in statistics looks like! We'll have a handful of Early and Mid career statisticians, working across academia and industry, talking about their current work and experiences.
Tuesday 19th September, 6pm - 7:30pm AEDT, 395 Collins St, Melbourne or online via Zoom
Registration |
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SSA QLD Branch Meeting: Counting all the fish in the MCM"SEA"
(Montana Wicken)
20 September 2023, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM AEST, held in person at 0500D-0M14 - UQ Brisbane City, 88 Creek Street, Brisbane/Online
At Fisheries Queensland, their aim is to provide useful population models that inform harvest control rules promoting sustainability. The population models are guided by fishery-dependent data such as catch-per-day, and fishery-independent data such as biomass surveys and age-length measurements. The population models are often non-linear with highly correlated parameters. Constructing models that capture biological processes, are resilient to poor data, and reveal the true uncertainty of estimates is extremely important. They hope to demonstrate the statistical challenges they face and present their best attempts at solutions.
To register click here. |
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Careers Masterclass Series
The Statistical Society of Australia (SSA) is offering an online Careers Masterclass over three weeks with Career Success Australia for our members (2 hours per week):
28 September 2023 12-2pm AEST
5 October 2023 12-2pm AEDT
12 October 2023 12-2pm AEDT.
Stuck in a rut? Looking for a career change? Before you go on the hunt for new beginnings, make sure you attend one or all of these three classes.
The Masterclass will be divided into three 2 hour sessions:
Session 1: Resume and Cover Letter writing
Session 2: Networking and LinkedIn tactics
Session 3: Job interview training
Our Careers Masterclass is offered at an extra special rate for SSA members to show our appreciation of your ongoing loyalty Come to one or come for all!
Click here for details on each session and to register. |
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NSW Branch of SSA: Early Career and Student Statisticians Career Event 2023
28 Sep 2023, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (AEST), The Bevery, the University of Sydney
The Statistical Society of Australia's New South Wales branch cordially invites all undergraduate, postgraduate, and early-career statisticians and data scientists to our Annual Event for Early Career and Student Statisticians! This event is one you absolutely can't miss.
Why Attend? -
Inspiring Speakers: We've gathered a lineup of inspiring early-career and mid-career professionals from diverse industries. They'll share their journeys, achievements, surprises, and advice.
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Networking: Engage with like-minded peers and our esteemed speakers during the networking session.
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Catering and Drinks: Enjoy delicious refreshments on us!
Meet Our Speakers:
Dr. Kerry Roberts - AMP Bank
Olga Yevtushenko - SEEK
Dr. William Tong - Canva
Dr. Chen Chen - NSW Education Standards Authority
Dr. Marcel Keller - CSIRO's Data61
Jordan Hedi - NSW Ministry of Health
Admission: Free for SSA members; $20 for non-members (students can register for a one-year student membership for $20 and attend for free).
Questions? Contact secretary.nswbranch@statsoc.org.au.
To register click here. |
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Statistical Consulting Network Meet-Up
29 September 2023, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM AEST, held online
Come along with your thinking cap, maybe a problem, and some lunch!
The Statistical Consulting Network invites you to their monthly meet-up, a virtual lunchtime meeting where statisticians help each other out with problems that they aren’t sure how to deal with. This virtual meeting is held on Zoom at lunchtime on the last Friday of each month, 12:30-1:30 PM (AEDT). We start each meet-up with announcements, or occasionally a special topic discussion, then discuss problems that attendees have brought along with them.
We also have a Slack workspace where members of the consulting network can communicate between meetings, or post problems or relevant materials they would like to discuss during a meeting.
Zoom link Password: 660145
Slack Workspace link |
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Risk & Insurance Insights: Why Statisticians should have Cyber & Professional Indemnity Insurance
Please join us for this webinar, where SSA’s insurance partner KBI will give a 20-minute presentation followed by a Q&A opportunity for participants.
20 September 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (AEST)
Learn more about your more insurance options with KBI here.
Register for the webinar here. |
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SSA and NZSA September Webinar with Kylie Reiri
21 September 2023, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (AEST), online
The ECSSN and the NZSA are holding a webinar with Kylie Reiri. Kylie is a partner in a consulting practice that leads the Data and Analytics growth play in NZ.
She has over 15 years’ of experience working with social sector data with a focus on improving social outcomes. Her specialties lie in algorithmic decision making, data strategy, data governance, and Māori Data Sovereignty. Prior to joining PwC one year ago, Kylie founded and led both Nicholson Consulting, a data science focused consultancy, and the Impact Lab, a product based social outcomes measurement company, both based in Wellington, NZ.
To register click here. |
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SSA Vic & Tas Belz Lecture - Mathematics, Gender and Statistics
Join us for the SSA Vic & Tas branch's annual Belz Lecture, where we'll hear from Professor Inge Koch in her talk titled "Mathematics, Gender and Statistics". Following the talk in-person attendees are invited to join us for dinner to be held at University House The Woodward
Tuesday 17th October, 5:45pm - 7:15pm AEDT, The University of Melbourne or online via Zoom
Registration
followed by the
SSA Vic & Tas Belz Lecture Dinner
The Victorian and Tasmanian Branch of the Statistical Society of Australia warmly invites members and guests our to premier social event of the year, the Belz Dinner. The Belz Dinner will be held at University House at the Woodward from 7:30PM. Join us for a three-course dinner and beautiful views.
Tuesday 17th October, The Woodward, University House, The University of Melbourne
Registration |
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Check out these pre-conference workshops held in Wollongong on 10 December 2023:
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Essential Skills for Statistical Communication presented by Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, University of Cambridge and Dr Linden Ashcroft, University of Melbourne
The workshop will include a panel discussion. Presenters Prof David Spiegelhalter and Dr Linden Ashcroft will be joined by applied mathematician and science communicator Dr Sophie Calabretto, and ABC journalist and ‘lapsed mathematician’, Casey Briggs, to share their experiences.
- Statistical Consultancy – The Essentials for Getting Started and Ongoing Success Presented by Professor Julie Simpson, University of Melbourne, A/Professor Emily Karahalios, University of Melbourne and A/Professor Karen Lamb, University of Melbourne, A/Prof Sue Finch from The University of Melbourne and
- Deep Statistics for More Rigorous and Efficient Data Science presented by Professor Xiao-Li Meng, Harvard University
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ASC and OZCOTS 2023 Social Events
Early Career and Student Statisticians Network ASC Social on 12 December 2023, held at the Illawarra Brewery’s outdoor terrace at WINN stadium. The ECSSN is organising a social get-together during the ASC2023! They are inviting students, early career and more senior statisticians to join them a lovely beach view and network with like-minded people you might not see very often, plus have some fun, nibbles, and drinks!
Statistical Conference Dinner on 13 Dec 2023, at the Grand Ballroom at the Sage Hotel. Just minutes from the beach, come and join us for a three-course dinner. (You register on the same page as the conference registration page)
OZCOTS 2023 Social on 14 Dec 2023, at Lucia's by the Sea, next to the Novotel Hotel. The OZCOTS committee invites you to come and join them for a lovely meal and catch-up at a beautiful beach front venue. |
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Workshop: Towards useful clinical risk prediction models
24 November, 10am-4pm AEDT, Melbourne
Laure Wynants, Maastricht University
In this workshop, we provide a brief, non-technical introduction to the basic steps of clinical risk prediction model research, from gathering data, developing the model, internally and externally validating the predictive performance of the model, to assessing the clinical utility of the model and implementation in clinical practice.
Next, we discuss some common pitfalls and myths regarding risk prediction models. We pay particular attention to calculating the sample size required to develop or validate a model, to handling missing data, and to measuring model performance. We address the role of shrinkage and machine learning in modern clinical prediction modeling.
To conclude, we provide a birds-eye overview of the current clinical risk prediction modeling landscape in the medical literature.
Tickets are available here. |
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AMSI Summer School 2024
8 January – 2 February, hybrid event hosted by the Australian National University (ANU) Applications are open for AMSI Summer School 2024 hosted by ANU
The School is open to honours and postgraduate students in the mathematical sciences and cognate disciplines, as well as early career researchers and industry professionals looking to upskill.
Travel and accommodation grants are available for students at AMSI Member Universities.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend in person at ANU in Canberra to maximise their summer school experience. Virtual participation is available, however not all elements of the program may be available remotely (e.g. social events, group work etc.)
Subjects:
- A Century of Harmonic Analysis
- Algorithmic Game Theory and Economics
- Bayesian Inference and Computations
- Convex and Conic Optimisation
- General Relativity sponsored by ANZAMP
- High-Order Numerical Methods for Time-Dependent PDEs
- Hyperbolic Knot Theory
- Machine Learning/Deep Learning
- Prime Numbers in Arithmetic Progressions: Dirichlet’s Theorem and more sponsored by AustMS
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If you have news from the Australian statistical community to share in Stats Matters and Events, please get in touch with us! We love getting feedback too. |
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