Links Lecture Award

Most Recent Winner

Sallie Keller

University of Viginia

About the Award

Virtually every aspect of US society faces questions with important implications for our economy, health, security, individual prosperity, happiness, and ability to plan for the future. Statistical data created by the various levels of government have traditionally played a key role in addressing such complex questions. The Links Lecture Award was created in 2017 by the American Statistical Association to honor the significant contributions of three pioneers who advanced the US federal statistical system’s ability to meet these data demands—Constance Citro, Robert Groves, and Fritz Scheuren. Each year, the award recognizes an individual, regardless of seniority, who has made a significant contribution to advancing official statistics and whose work and vision offer the promise to advance the role of official statistics in addressing critical data needs.

The award includes a modest honorarium and travel expenses to present the Links Lecture in the Washington, DC, area.

Selection Criteria

The award will be given to the nominee whose work, in the judgment of the award committee, has most contributed to the advancement of official statistics and whose vision offers the best hope for further advancement. The following technical areas are most relevant:

Statistical use of administrative records and alternative data sources
Record linkage
Statistical methods for creating blended estimates
Issues associated with the activities listed here such as privacy, confidentiality, researcher access, and reproducibility of results

Nominations

Nominations are due by July 1. Nominators should submit—at minimum—a nominating letter, current CV, and one letter of support.

In no more than two pages, the nomination and supporting letters should address the following points:

The nominee’s professional experiences that are most relevant for the award
The way in which the nominee’s lecture could advance official statistics
The nominee’s ability to deliver a highly motivating lecture

Self-nominations are welcome.

Award Recipient Responsibilities

The award recipient will present a lecture about their work and vision for the future of official statistics at a mutually agreed-upon time. The award recipient is responsible for providing a current photograph and general personal information the year the award is presented. The American Statistical Association uses this information to publicize the award.

Questions

Please contact the committee chair.