International Statistical Institute
Overview
The International Statistical Institute (ISI) is a professional association of statisticians. It was established in 1885, making it one of the oldest scientific associations still active. The ISI serves as a platform for statisticians worldwide to share and disseminate knowledge, promote research and development in statistics, and foster good statistical practice. It is a non-profit, non-governmental organization with consultative status by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
History
The International Statistical Institute was founded in 1885 during the International Statistical Congress in Rome. The congress was attended by statisticians from various countries, who recognized the need for an international body to promote and develop statistical science. The ISI was thus established with the aim of facilitating international cooperation in the field of statistics. Since its inception, the ISI has played a significant role in the development of statistical science and its applications.
Organization and Structure
The ISI operates under a constitution and is governed by a Council, which is elected by the members of the Institute. The Council consists of the President, the President-Elect, and several members, all of whom serve for a specified term. The ISI's headquarters are located in The Hague, Netherlands.
The ISI comprises seven Associations, each focusing on a specific area of statistics. These include the International Association for Statistical Computing (IASC), the International Association for Official Statistics (IAOS), the International Association for Statistical Education (IASE), the International Society for Business and Industrial Statistics (ISBIS), the Bernoulli Society for Mathematical Statistics and Probability (BS), the International Association for Survey Statisticians (IASS), and the International Association of Applied Statistics (IAAS).
Activities and Initiatives
The ISI conducts a range of activities aimed at promoting the development of statistical science and its applications. These include organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops; publishing journals and other publications; and providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and information among statisticians worldwide.
One of the key initiatives of the ISI is the World Statistics Congress (WSC), which is held every two years. The WSC is a major international event that brings together statisticians from around the world to discuss and share insights on a wide range of statistical topics.
In addition to the WSC, the ISI also organizes regional statistical conferences, specialized conferences, and workshops on various aspects of statistics. These events provide opportunities for statisticians to network, collaborate, and learn from each other.
The ISI also publishes several scientific journals, including the International Statistical Review, the Statistical Theory and Method Abstracts, and the Bernoulli Journal. These publications serve as a platform for the dissemination of research findings and the promotion of statistical science.
Membership
Membership in the ISI is open to individuals and organizations with a professional interest in statistics. The ISI offers several categories of membership, including Individual Membership, Institutional Membership, and Elected Membership. Elected Membership is a prestigious category of membership, which is conferred upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of statistics.
Impact and Influence
The ISI has had a significant impact on the field of statistics. Through its activities and initiatives, the ISI has contributed to the development of statistical science, the promotion of good statistical practice, and the advancement of the statistical profession. The ISI's influence is evident in its wide membership base, which includes statisticians from around the world, as well as its collaborations with other international organizations and agencies.