Leadership Summit

A Statistician’s Journey – Bridging Theory and Practice in the AI-Era

The field of statistics is a vast and interconnected ecosystem. Fostering deep in theoretical breakthroughs, Statisticians have a unique strength of synergy between science and real-world applications. With the glory and a long history of connecting academia and industries, ICSA is proud to introduce a new cornerstone of our annual Applied Statistics Symposium: The Leadership Summit.

Description:

A 90-minute panel discussion will be held as part of the 2026 ICSA Applied Statistics Symposium in Arlington, Virginia, on June 15 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM.

We bring together a group of distinguished statistical leaders from both academia and industry who embody the passion and diversity of our field. In the panel discussion, these leaders explore the future of the profession, share perspectives on leadership, and offer insights that inspire both early-career and established professionals. The invited discussants are:

• Dr. Xiaoli Meng (Harvard University)
• Dr. Tian Zheng (Columbia University)
• Dr. Margaret Gamalo (Pfizer)
• Dr. Jeen Liu (Regeneron) 

Objectives:

In this AI-era, statisticians are at the helm of innovation in almost every sector. As the professional landscape evolves, we recognize a growing need to create a dedicated space where the practical challenges of industry and the innovative solutions of academia can meet.

This event is dedicated to:

• Elevate Visibility: Introduce sophisticated, cutting-edge work being done between statistical sectors and inspire continuous development for our members’ collective knowledge base.
• Empower the Next Generation: With an increasing number of junior members moving into corporate roles, this summit provides a crucial bridge by introducing direct access to career pathways, mentorship, and a clearer understanding of how their skills translate to the workplace.
• Prepare for the future: The future is now! By bringing and bridging diverse perspectives, we aim to prepare our statisticians with both skillset and mindset to embrace and to bloom in this new era.