Statistical Society of Australia upcoming events

SSA Statistical Education Section Networking Event: GenAI in Statistics Education: Opportunities, Risks, and Real Practice (5 Jun 2026)

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 03:30:00 GMT

The Statistical Education section of the Statistical Society of Australia invites you to an informal online networking session focused on the role of Generative AI in statistics education. This session is designed as a community discussion, bringing together educators to share experiences, challenges, and practical ideas. There is no single “right” approach; rather, the aim is to explore how AI can improve teaching while maintaining academic quality and meaningful learning. We also hope to build a network to support each other in exploring effective teaching practices in this evolving area.

Date: Friday 5 June 2026

Time: 1:30pm - 2:30pm (AEST)

Format: Online via Zoom. Details provided upon registration

Schedule

Short talk (10 mins): Dr Karol Binkowski: What if AI could calm your nerves?

Karol will briefly share how several intentional uses of AI tools (e.g., virtual peer bots, narrative storytelling) have been used in a large first-year statistics service unit to reduce anxiety and increase engagement, along with reflections and limitations.

Discussion

We’ll then open the floor to discussion. You might like to think about:

How are you currently using (or avoiding) AI in your teaching?
How can we improve engagement and learning without compromising quality?
What concerns do you have around assessment, integrity, or over-reliance on AI?
What has actually worked in practice?
How might AI reshape the role of the lecturer in statistics education?

You’re welcome to:

Bring a challenge
Share an idea
Just listen in

Key Learnings from attending webinar

Participants will have the opportunity to:

explore practical uses of Generative AI in statistics education,
hear real examples of AI-supported teaching practices in large first-year classes,
discuss challenges related to assessment, academic integrity, and student learning,
exchange ideas and experiences with other educators, and
reflect on how AI may reshape teaching and learning in statistics education.

Presenter Bio: Dr Karol Binkowski

Dr Karol Binkowski is a Senior Lecturer in Statistics at Macquarie University and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). He engages diverse student cohorts through upbeat live lectures that incorporate GenAI-enhanced active learning and Peer Instruction. His teaching focuses on improving student engagement, reducing anxiety in statistics education, and exploring practical ways AI can support meaningful learning in large first-year classes.

Chair Bio - Dr Gizem Intepe

Dr Gizem Intepe is a Lecturer in Data Science and AI at Western Sydney University. She teaches introductory statistics to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. She is passionate about designing engaging, practical learning experiences that move beyond rote learning and help students connect statistical concepts to real-world applications.

Tjanpi Award Seminar (10 Jun 2026)

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The Environmental Statistics section of the Statistical Society of Australia proudly presents the Tjanpi Award seminar. Josh Jacobson is the winner of the 2025 Tjanpi Award for best student paper in environmental statistics, and in this talk he will outline the key results of his award-winning paper.

Date: Wednesday 10 June 2026

Time: 9:00am - 10:00am (AEST)

Format: Online via Zoom. Details provided upon registration

Abstract: A Bayesian Hierarchical Model for CO₂ Flux Estimation from Multiprocess Satellite Data

Quantifying the natural components of CO₂ surface flux is key to monitoring Earth's carbon dynamics. Existing inverse methods struggle to isolate the natural components, which cannot be individually constrained using atmospheric CO₂ concentrations alone. However, the advent of solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) satellite data provides an opportunity to improve identifiability by constraining the distribution of gross primary production (GPP), the photosynthetic component of flux. Here, we develop a spatio-temporal hierarchical model linking GPP to SIF and embed it within the WOMBAT v2.0 (WOllongong Methodology for Bayesian Assimilation of Trace-gases, version 2.0) statistical flux-inversion framework. We call the new framework WOMBAT v2.S, and we apply it to multiprocess data from NASA's OCO-2 satellite to estimate natural flux components over the globe during a six-year period. In a simulation experiment that mimics OCO-2's retrieval characteristics, the inclusion of SIF substantially improves posterior prediction accuracy and uncertainty quantification. Comparing real-data estimates from WOMBAT v2.S, v2.0, and an alternative method, we observe a reversal in the inferred trend of global CO₂ absorption.

Presenter Bio: Josh Jacobson

Josh is a statistician whose work sits at the intersection of Bayesian inference, climate science, and large-scale data analysis, with applications to understanding the global carbon cycle and environmental change. He completed his PhD in Statistics at the University of Wollongong late last year, supervised by Andrew Zammit-Mangion, Michael Bertolacci and Noel Cressie, and he is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Data Science SIG Monthly Catch Up (11 Jun 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Data Science SIG's monthly catch up is a place to share any ideas, challenges, cool tech, or anything else data science-related.

Each month we'll come with something new to discuss, but anyone is welcome to lead the discussion. Just let the DSSIG committee know!

The monthly meeting catch ups will be held via Zoom on the 2nd Thursday of each month, 2:00 - 3:00 PM (AEST).

Zoom link

2026 Dates

Thursday 11 June 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 9 July 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 13 August 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 10 September 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 8 October 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEDT
Thursday 12 November 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEDT

SSA Biostatistics & Bioinformatics Section Webinar: Process, Inference, and Toads (11 Jun 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Biostatistics & Bioinformatics section of the Statistical Society of Australia invites members to a a presentation titled "Process, Inference, and Toads" delivered by Professor Ben Phillips, School of Molecular and Life Science at Curtin University. This is a repeat of an in-person seminar given to the WA Branch on 10 March 2026.

Date: Thursday 11 June 2026

Time: 12:00 pm (AWST)

Format: Online via Zoom. Details provided upon registration

Abstract: Process, Inference, and Toads

This talk will take a short stroll through some of the fascinating processes that play out during biological invasions. After that, we will step through several vignettes in which inference from process-based models has been useful in drawing valuable insight from messy ecological data. The talk will feature a host of characters, from poison arrow frogs, to dusty wallabies, tumours, toads, bees, and a bloke named Fisher.

Presenter Bio: Professor Ben Phillips, Curtin University

Ben is a Professor at Curtin University’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences. He is a population biologist with a background in ecology and evolution, and is particularly interested in how spatial processes influence population and evolutionary dynamics. Ben started his professional life as a field biologist, but has slowly morphed into a modeler. He develops models describing population and evolutionary dynamics, and increasingly applies these to real problems in agriculture, health, and environment.

Ben moved to Curtin in 2023 to take up the WA Premier’s Science Fellowship. Prior to that, he worked at The University of Melbourne for nine years where he was promoted to Professor in 2021. He has also worked at James Cook University, The Australian Wildlife Conservancy, and The University of Sydney in various roles prior to this. Ben has held a Future Fellowship, a QEII Fellowship, and an Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship.

SSA and NZSA Mentoring Program Professional Skills Webinar Series. Webinar 3: Robust reproducible research (18 Jun 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Join us for the SSA Mentoring Program Professional Skills Webinar Series, which in 2026 will be co-delivered with the NZSA Mentor Programme. This online professional development series is invaluable to statisticians who are looking to improve and enhance their skills in communication, time and project management.

Webinar 3:

Robust Reproducible Research

Presenter: Dr Simon Tuke, University of Adelaide

Date and Time: Thursday 18 June 2026, 12:00pm (AEST)

Abstract

“You did an analysis for me two years ago, well I have some new data to add to it”. Welcome to the world of statistical consulting. So how do we get from WTF to no hassle? In this webinar, we will look at some of the tools of the trade to ensure that the analysis you do today will make sense to future you. Topics covered with be project structure; version control; using quarto; and leaving breadcrumbs. Come along and see if there is anything that the presenter does, that you could steal.

Presenter's Bio - Dr Simon Tuke

Dr Tuke started his career as a veterinarian. After 12 years, he headed back to university to study maths and ended up with a PhD in statistics. He now lectures in statistics at the University of Adelaide and strongly believes that everyone should know stats.

Webinars:

Webinar 1: Thursday 23 April 2026 12:00pm (AEST). Building a team, one person at a time - A/Prof David Price, Doherty Institute
Webinar 2: Thursday 7 May 2026 11:00am (AEST). Effective networking as a statistician - Prof Kelley M Kidwell, University of Michigan
Webinar 3: Thursday 18 June 2026 12:00pm (AEST). Robust reproducible research - Dr Simon Tuke, University of Adelaide
Webinar 4: Thursday 30 July 2026 12:00pm (AEST). Unlock your Mentoring Potential - Lisa Thomasen, Fonterra, New Zealand

Fees:

Mentoring program participants – Free (both SSA and NZSA) Registration code required
Non SSA/NZSA Members – $60.00
SSA/NZSA Members – $30.00

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations received prior to two weeks before the event will be refunded, minus the Stripe processing fee (1.75% + $0.30 per transaction) and an SSA administration fee of $20.

From then on, no part of the registration fee will be refunded. However, registrations are transferable within the same organisation. Please advise any changes to events@statsoc.org.au.

Data Science SIG Monthly Catch Up (9 Jul 2026)

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Data Science SIG's monthly catch up is a place to share any ideas, challenges, cool tech, or anything else data science-related.

Each month we'll come with something new to discuss, but anyone is welcome to lead the discussion. Just let the DSSIG committee know!

The monthly meeting catch ups will be held via Zoom on the 2nd Thursday of each month, 2:00 - 3:00 PM (AEST).

Zoom link

2026 Dates

Thursday 11 June 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 9 July 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 13 August 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 10 September 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 8 October 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEDT
Thursday 12 November 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEDT

ICOTS -12th International Conference on Teaching Statistics (12 Jul 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The 12th International Conference on Teaching Statistics (ICOTS 12), to be held in Brisbane, 12–17 July 2026, will be the first time ICOTS will be hosted in Australia.

We are delighted to announce the ICOTS 12 keynote speakers:

• Prof Mine Çetinkaya–Rundel – Duke University

• Prof Dianne Cook – Monash University

• Emeritus Prof Sir Peter Donnelly – Genomics PLC, University of Oxford

• Prof Rob Gould – UCLA

• Dr Elena Proden – UNITAR

These outstanding speakers will bring a wealth of expertise and perspectives to ICOTS 12, setting the stage for an inspiring and thought-provoking program.

Key dates:

• Abstract submission deadline: 31 August 2025

• Notification of acceptance: 30 September 2025

• Optional refereed paper submission deadline: 30 November 2025

• Final papers (refereed and non-refereed) due: 30 April 2026

All accepted abstracts will appear in the official Conference Program and online Proceedings. Oral presenters are encouraged (but not required) to prepare a full paper for the Proceedings. Refereed papers will be clearly labelled as such.

For more information, please visit: https://icots12.oa-event.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Brisbane in 2026 for this landmark event in statistics education!

SSA and NZSA Mentoring Program Professional Skills Webinar Series. Webinar 4: Unlock your Mentoring Potential (30 Jul 2026)

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Webinar 4:

Unlock your Mentoring Potential

Presenter: Lisa Thomasen, Fonterra, New Zealand

Date and Time: Thursday 30 July 2026, 12:00pm (AEST)

Abstract

Mentoring can be a gamechanger for many individuals, with participants from both the SSA and NZSA Mentoring Programs sharing the benefits they’ve experienced. Every mentoring relationship is unique, with experiences varying widely. This session will explore some of the key differences between mentoring relationships with a focus on formality, longevity and preparation including tips on how to customise your mentoring relationship to make mentoring work for you.

Presenter's Bio - Lisa Thomasen

Lisa Thomasen has been a consultant statistician in industry for the past decade and is currently lead research statistician at Fonterra in New Zealand. Her work includes modelling milk powder functionality, analysing cheesecake performance, and investigating consumer preferences of yoghurts. Lisa co-ordinates the New Zealand Statistical Association (NZSA) mentoring program and was the 2024 recipient of the NZSA Campbell Award for her advocacy for students, early-career, and professional statisticians alongside her mentoring and community-building initiatives in this space.

Webinars:

Webinar 1: Thursday 23 April 2026 12:00pm (AEST). Building a team, one person at a time - A/Prof David Price, Doherty Institute
Webinar 2: Thursday 7 May 2026 11:00am (AEST). Effective networking as a statistician - Prof Kelley M Kidwell, University of Michigan
Webinar 3: Thursday 18 June 2026 12:00pm (AEST). Robust reproducible research - Dr Simon Tuke, University of Adelaide
Webinar 4: Thursday 30 July 2026 12:00pm (AEST). Unlock your Mentoring Potential - Lisa Thomasen, Fonterra, New Zealand

Fees:

Mentoring program participants – Free (both SSA and NZSA) Registration code required
Non SSA/NZSA Members – $60.00
SSA/NZSA Members – $30.00

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations received prior to two weeks before the event will be refunded, minus the Stripe processing fee (1.75% + $0.30 per transaction) and an SSA administration fee of $20.

From then on, no part of the registration fee will be refunded. However, registrations are transferable within the same organisation. Please advise any changes to events@statsoc.org.au.

Data Science SIG Monthly Catch Up (13 Aug 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Data Science SIG's monthly catch up is a place to share any ideas, challenges, cool tech, or anything else data science-related.

Each month we'll come with something new to discuss, but anyone is welcome to lead the discussion. Just let the DSSIG committee know!

The monthly meeting catch ups will be held via Zoom on the 2nd Thursday of each month, 2:00 - 3:00 PM (AEST).

Zoom link

2026 Dates

Thursday 11 June 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 9 July 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 13 August 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 10 September 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 8 October 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEDT
Thursday 12 November 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEDT

Data Science SIG Monthly Catch Up (10 Sep 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Data Science SIG's monthly catch up is a place to share any ideas, challenges, cool tech, or anything else data science-related.

Each month we'll come with something new to discuss, but anyone is welcome to lead the discussion. Just let the DSSIG committee know!

The monthly meeting catch ups will be held via Zoom on the 2nd Thursday of each month, 2:00 - 3:00 PM (AEST).

Zoom link

2026 Dates

Thursday 11 June 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 9 July 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 13 August 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 10 September 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 8 October 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEDT
Thursday 12 November 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEDT

Data Science SIG Monthly Catch Up (8 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 GMT

The Data Science SIG's monthly catch up is a place to share any ideas, challenges, cool tech, or anything else data science-related.

Each month we'll come with something new to discuss, but anyone is welcome to lead the discussion. Just let the DSSIG committee know!

The monthly meeting catch ups will be held via Zoom on the 2nd Thursday of each month, 2:00 - 3:00 PM (AEST).

Zoom link

2026 Dates

Thursday 11 June 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 9 July 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 13 August 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 10 September 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 8 October 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEDT
Thursday 12 November 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEDT

Data Science SIG Monthly Catch Up (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:00:00 GMT

The Data Science SIG's monthly catch up is a place to share any ideas, challenges, cool tech, or anything else data science-related.

Each month we'll come with something new to discuss, but anyone is welcome to lead the discussion. Just let the DSSIG committee know!

The monthly meeting catch ups will be held via Zoom on the 2nd Thursday of each month, 2:00 - 3:00 PM (AEST).

Zoom link

2026 Dates

Thursday 11 June 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 9 July 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 13 August 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 10 September 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEST
Thursday 8 October 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEDT
Thursday 12 November 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AEDT