Launch of the Exeter Initiative for Statistics and its Applications (ExIStA)

The Exeter Initiative for Statistics and its Applications (ExIStA) is the region's centre for statistical expertise. It is being set-up with the support of a development fund award from Bridging the Gaps and is led by Professor Steve Brooks. ExIStA aims to bring together statisticians working in the University and within local public and private sector organisations and to foster and promote inter-disciplinary statistical activity. The Initiative also aims to raise awareness of the use and value of statistical methods and to support statisticians in continuing to develop and apply their skills.

At the launch event, around 90 delegates heard a short introduction to ExIStA and its future plans by director Steve Brooks, followed by a poster and networking reception to discuss their work and explore the potential for collaboration and the sharing of skills and expertise; a total of 43 posters were presented.

An ideas wall gave attendees the opportunity to suggest activities, events and services that they would like to see ExIStA deliver in order to better support statistical work within the region and to promote collaboration and the sharing of skills and interests between members. Current plans include the formation of a local young statisticians group, a bi-monthly series of meetings, and a database of statistical skills that can be used to help find local expertise with a view to creating new collaborations.

All enquiries about ExIStA should be directed to Steve Brooks: s.p.brooks@exeter.ac.uk