Data Challenge Expo 2020 Open to Everyone

Do you want to present at JSM 2020 in Philadelphia, but you don’t have a research project in mind? You might consider participating in the Data Challenge Expo 2020, sponsored by the ASA Statistical Computing, Government Statistics, and Statistical Graphics sections. The contest is open to anyone who is interested in participating, including college students and professionals from the private or public sector.

This contest challenges participants to analyze a data set using statistical and visualization tools and methods. There will be two award categories: Professional (one level with a $500 award) and Student (three levels with awards at $1,500, $1,000, and $500).

Contestants will present their results in a speed poster session at JSM and must submit their abstracts to the JSM online system. Note that judging takes place at JSM and is based on the results presented there. Presenters are responsible for their own JSM registration and travel costs, as well as any other costs associated with JSM attendance. Group submissions are acceptable. To enter, contestants must do the following by February 4:

  • Submit an abstract for a speed poster to the JSM 2020 website. Specify the Statistical Computing Section as the main sponsor. You may include the Government Statistics Section and the Statistical Graphics Section as additional sponsors.
  • Forward the JSM abstract submission email to Wendy Martinez.

The data set for the Data Challenge Expo 2020 will be the Global Historical Climatology Network (GHCN). Public use data files and documentation are available for download. Contestants must use some portion of the GHCN data, but are strongly encouraged to combine other data sources in the analysis. Other sources of data contestants might use are IPUMS, NASA’s EarthData, or the European Data Portal.

If you have any questions about the Data Challenge Expo, reach out to Wendy Martinez.