ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Statistical Association (ASA) today announced a Public Health Data Challenge, its second annual data challenge. High school and undergraduate students are invited to apply statistical and data visualization skills to address the national opioid crisis using real datasets.
“The Public Health Data Challenge provides an opportunity for students to use their statistics skills to analyze a real problem and better understand how they can use their knowledge to contribute to the solution of challenging problems,” said ASA director of strategic initiatives and outreach Donna LaLonde. “Statisticians make an impact in a variety of different fields, including public health. As more data become available, students have the opportunity to learn how they can use statistics to address national issues like opioid abuse.”
Teams of two to five students will use the WONDER Multiple Cause of Death dataset from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Students must analyze the data and use statistical methods to determine steps local governments could take to tackle the opioid crisis. Students can explore additional datasets but are only required to use WONDER. Submissions are due by November 12, 2018.
Entries will be assessed by a panel of judges from the CDC, South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute, and Syneos Health. Awards will be given for best overall, visualization and use of external data. Each winning team will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, student memberships to ASA and contest t-shirts. Winners will be announced in early December.
To learn more about the Public Health Data Challenge, visit https://thisisstatistics.org/fall-data-challenge-for-students/.
About the American Statistical Association
The ASA promotes the practice and profession of statistics. It is the world’s largest community of statisticians and one of the oldest continuously operating professional science associations in the United States. Since its foundation, it has supported statistical science through meetings, publications, membership services, education, accreditation and advocacy. Its members serve in industry, government and academia in more than 90 countries, advancing research and promoting sound statistical practice to inform public policy and improve human welfare. For additional information, please visit the ASA website at http://www.amstat.org.