Thirty-three
years ago, the International Statistical Institute (ISI) gathered in Tokyo and
resolved to deal with the simple problem facing statisticians across the world
- their relevance to society.
In seeking to catalogue the suite of problems facing statisticians, the ISI General Assembly stated: "There are signs that in situations of financial distress, scientific managers often view statistical activities as an area where savings can be made."
The 1987 assembly identified contributors to the declining social relevance of statisticians. These included a general "ignorance of what statisticians do" and a "false perception that computer programmes eliminate the need for professional statistical advice".
