Biostatisticians, Biostatistical Science and the future

Abstract

Biostatistical Science is in a 'golden period'. The definition of Biostatistical Science is the application of statistics, probability, mathematics and computing to advance our understanding of the subject matter in the biomedical sciences. Our field is experiencing unparallel developments due of the advances in communication and computing. We are becoming more global, we have resources which can expand educational opportunities for distant learning; the growth of quantitative methods in the biomedical sciences has made biostatistical science a key component in many research areas. What about the future? Are we receptive to change as many new scientific areas expand? Will the interaction between academia and industry likely to grow - especially in the training of future practitioners of biostatistical science. This paper discusses some of challenges facing our profession if we are to continue to be relevant in the biomedical sciences. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.