Strengthening Statistics Graduate Programs with Statistical Collaboration - The Case of Hawassa University, Ethiopia

Abstract

This paper describes the experiences gained from the established statistical collaboration canter at Hawassa University in May 2015 as part of LISA 2020 network. The center has got similar setup as LISA of Virginia Tech. Statisticians are trained on how to become more effective scientific collaborators with researchers. The service has been delivered from May 2015 to June 2016. The University has a well established and strong academic graduate programs of statistics. The master programs are: Applied Statistics, and Mathematical and Statistical Modelling launched in 2008 and 2010, respectively. They are research based studies. The programs have produced about one hundred ninety graduates to-date, with current enrollment of over fifty students. The doctoral program started in 2013 with enrollment of ten students. The graduate students are the main role players as statistical collaborators at the center. The collaborators and clients have revealed positive feedback about the services. It is observed that the collaboration scheme seem works well and to have an impact on research quality of the non-statistician researchers. The role of statisticians is found to be important in the scientific researches of the University so as to meet the societal needs. The collaboration practice has a potential to enhance the statistics education and research at the department itself. The center needs to be strengthened and expanded for greater services and sharing experiences with other similar higher institutions.