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Australia hosts ISI Conference

The ABS, along with the Statistical Society of Australia and the International Statistical Institute, jointly hosted the 55th Session of the International Statistical Institute at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 5 to 12, 2005.

Established in 1885, the International Statistical Institute (ISI) is one of the oldest scientific associations operating in the modern world. The ISI is composed of more than 2000 individual elected members who are internationally recognised as leaders in the field of statistics.

The ISI has held Sessions biennially since 1853 bringing together academic, government and private sector statisticians and experts from related fields, with Australia last hosting the event in 1967. The Sessions provide an opportunity for statisticians to attend scientific meetings focusing on their own speciality. At the same time they can absorb new research in other statistical fields that may have unanticipated applications to their area of interest. Many have spoken of the valuable 'cross pollination' of ideas that they have experienced during the ISI Session with the conference proving to be an excellent opportunity for members to congregate and exchange innovative ideas, forge new links and discuss current trends and developments in the statistical world.

A diverse and cutting-edge Scientific Program was developed for the 2005 ISI Session which included presentation of papers, key note speakers of world repute, poster sessions, tutorials and short courses. Theme days covered Statistics and Finance, Environmental Statistics and Genomics.

Many Census related papers were presented over the duration of the conference, including a presentation by the ABS's Soo Kong on the developments of the CensusAtSchool project in Australia. The use of GPS in the 2004 Census in East Timor was also discussed.

The hosting of the 2005 ISI Conference is just one of many events the ABS is involved in as part of its Centenary celebrations.