Professor Vicki Cox: Translating mathematics and statistics to give an accurate message

About the lecture

Most people don't speak mathematics, despite it being a universal language, so half the job is translating it into English. This talk will highlight the importance of being able to adapt to your audience and understand their most common misconceptions. "Lies, damn lies, and statistics" is a well-known phrase, but it should also be a cautionary tale for practitioners. Examples will demonstrate where statistics and analysis have been poorly implemented, whether with the aim of intentionally misleading the audience or just through poor preparation.

About the speaker

Vicki Cox is Senior Principal Statistician at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and Honorary Professor at the University of Birmingham. With over 15 years' experience working on problems of national security, Vicki has provided statistical expertise across critically important and diverse areas including decontamination science, trauma/personal protection, aerospace, experimental design, digital twins, in addition to training MoD staff in statistics. A recognised expert in the communication of statistics, Vicki is author of the internationally influential book "Translating Statistics to Make Decisions: A Guide for the Non-Statistician" and represents DSTL internationally with NATO and the Technical Cooperation Programme.

Registrations close on 14 October at 17:00.