On March 20th, 2026, the Department of Statistics & Data Science at WashU hosted the “Statistics and Data Science Programs – Challenges and Opportunities” workshop on the Danforth Campus. This one-day event, co-sponsored by the American Statistical Association, brought together leaders from 35 graduate programs in statistics and data science, along with several WashU faculty and graduate-student speakers, for plenary talks, breakout discussions, and story-sharing sessions. The goal was to explore emerging challenges, exchange ideas and best practices, and develop concrete action plans to advance a shared vision for the future of the field.
The workshop began informally the night before with a welcome reception in the Goldberg Formal Lounge, where attendees reconnected with old colleagues, met new ones, and prepared for a full day of discussions. The formal program opened with remarks from SDS Chair Xuming He and the Richard G. Engelsmann Dean of Arts & Sciences, Feng Sheng Hu. Dean Hu described “an incredibly exciting time for statistics and data science programs — both around the world and here at WashU,” highlighting the rapid growth and strategic importance of the SDS department in the digital era.
Five keynote speakers offered diverse perspectives on the evolving landscape. Catherine Calder (University of Texas at Austin) emphasized the importance of cultivating “ambition” within the statistical community and challenged the community to consider how departments can collectively foster ambition among junior researchers and graduate students. Xiao-Li Meng (Harvard University) reflected on his journey into the AI revolution through a multidisciplinary lens, underscoring that data science functions not merely as a technical discipline but as an “ecosystem.” Galin Jones (University of Minnesota) emphasized the importance of diversifying extramural funding and intramural support for statistics departments at this time. Kimberly Sellers (North Carolina State University) urged departments to "close Pandora's Box" by taking proactive steps to maintain relevance. Abel Rodriguez (University of Washington) argued that statisticians must be more flexible and proactive in how they define their value to both external and internal stakeholders. Collectively, the speakers addressed the urgent need for statistics and data science programs to navigate a convergence of critical forces that are reshaping traditional academic structures and cultures.
In breakout sessions, participants focused on three key themes: integrating AI into research and teaching; future-proofing the pipeline and recruitment for graduate programs; and rethinking our narratives through enhanced communication and leadership development. They identified pressing challenges and brainstormed actionable strategies, with a full report on these discussions currently in preparation.
After a mid-day break for lunch, WashU Statistics PhD students Ayoushman Bhattacharya, Wei Li, and Gifty Osei shared their perspectives as graduate students, adding an important student voice to the conversation about the future of doctoral training.
The day concluded with a walk through Forest Park to the Saint Louis Zoo, where attendees enjoyed drinks and dinner at the McDonnell Center, continuing conversations in an informal setting. Several WashU faculty contributed to the organization or hosting of the workshop; they include Likai Chen, Joe Feldman, José Figueroa-López, Joe Guinness, Xuming He, Bo Li, and Carlos Misael Madrid Padilla, and Xiaofeng Shao. Special thanks go to Rhiannon Amato, Administrative Coordinator to the Chair, who coordinated all the events for the workshop.
