About the LISA 2020 Global Network

The LISA 2020 Global Network builds statistical analysis and data science capacity in developing countries by creating a robust network of statistics and data science collaboration laboratories (“stat labs”). These stat labs can be Engines for Development by training the next generation of collaborative statisticians and data scientists; collaborating at the intersections of data-driven development with researchers, data producers, and decision-makers to make a positive impact on society; and teaching short courses and workshops to improve statistical skills and data literacy widely.

The goal was to create a network of 20 such stat labs in developing countries by 2020. This goal was accomplished by having 28 labs in the LISA 2020 Global Network by the end of 2020! The full list of stat labs is available here.

Each of these newly created laboratories fosters education in statistics and promotes the proper application of statistics to solve real-world problems. With a strong support network, just one statistician trained to communicate and collaborate with non-statisticians can enable and accelerate 10 or more research projects per year. Each research project can impact hundreds or thousands of people. At LISA, we unlock the collaborative potential of technically trained statisticians, who in turn unlock the development potential of their collaborators and teach other statisticians to do likewise. These collaborators, now with the power of statistical thinking open to them, are key to improving human welfare worldwide.

The LISA 2020 Global Network encourages stat labs to improve their operations by adapting best practices learned from one another. To encourage interaction between stat labs, the network hosts semi-monthly LISA 2020 Global Network Zoom meetings that are held on the first Thursday of each month at 14:00 UTC and the third Wednesday of each month at 15:00 UTC. Additionally, the network gathers annually for symposia with invited talks, workshops, and networking events. The symposium is often held as a pre-event to the International Statistical Institute’s World Statistics Congress.

The LISA 2020 Global Network is led by Dr. Eric Vance (Eric.Vance@colorado.edu) at the University of Colorado Boulder's Department of Applied Mathematics. Our full leadership team is available here.

For more information about joining the LISA 2020 Global Network, please see our Processes and Policies page.