Abstract The Japanese pioneer's role in bringing statistical thinking to engineering has led to reduced costs and improved quality. Tim Davis and Huw Williams of the RSS Statistical Engineering Section show their appreciation
Abstract Mark Louie F. Ramos offers a balanced evaluation of positive publication bias
Abstract Are you, by any chance, an introvert? Richard C. Zink argues that improvisation training can transform the way you communicate as a statistician. And yes, he fully appreciates the irony and absurdity of using a prepared article to discuss the benefits of improvisation…
Abstract The California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) professor is one of the newest members of the Significance editorial board
Abstract Exciting modern statistical methods can bring about huge leaps forward in science. Elizabeth Eisenhauer, Maria Nareklishvili, Ayse Ulgen, Andrej Srakar and Dean Bodenham, members of the RSS Emerging Applications Section committee, describe some recent applications of three of these methods: natural experiments, citizen science and changepoint detection
Abstract In their article for the January 2026 issue, Madhu Mazumdar and Amanda L. Golbeck shared advice for those crunching numbers in the shadows but yearning for more recognition. In this follow-up, they invite you to step even further out of the spreadsheet and more squarely onto the leadership pathway
Abstract In large organisations, supplier selection can be slow and resource-heavy. Arindam Majumdar shares the inside track on how a data scientist helped design a supplier recommendation engine that was eventually deployed across his company
Abstract Music styles and formats are ever evolving, but some things endure. Did the practicalities of the vinyl era establish a time-honoured convention for album closing tracks? Mitchell Stirling examines the data
Abstract Collaboration and communication – and a blast of Avril Lavigne – are fundamental for the data analyst and new Significance editorial board member
Abstract There is never a simple explanation for a mass public shooting. Marco Geraci, Luca Merlo, and Lea Petrella use a “mid-quantile mixed graphical model” to explore a deeply entangled phenomenon
Abstract Earlier this year, new draft guidance from the US Food and Drug Administration encouraged the use of Bayesian methodology in clinical trials for new drugs. Lu (Maggie) Qian addresses some of the questions arising from this development
Abstract Musicologist and mathematics enthusiast D. S. Hill discovers a hidden structure in the tonal music of composers such as Bach, Chopin and Shostakovich
Abstract The Kentucky Derby in May is one of the most famous horse-races in the world. Lawrence L. Kupper and Sandra L. Martin look at how favourites and long shots perform in this race and others in the sport’s illustrious “Triple Crown”
Abstract Finnish statistician Pekka Pere tells Anna Britten about his work as a statistics lecturer, researcher and President of the Finnish Statistical Society, and explains why precise language is vital for joined-up statistical thinking
Abstract The beer mile – yes, a running event with alcohol – is the kind of crazy new sport that's crying out for some statistical analysis. Luca Menicali, Neil R. Nicholson, Ranjan Rohatgi, Francis Aznaran and Stefano Castruccio examine the factors affecting performance
Abstract Breast cancer trials have multiplied over the past 15 years, but many findings remain invisible. Francis Osei calls for a major culture shift
Abstract Adam B. Rohrlach and Jonathan Tuke use ancient DNA and network regression to explore the cultural practices of our human past
Abstract Fisher’s exact test versus chi-square: what do statisticians use more frequently? Wilson Fandino considers fixed margins, large samples and the enduring case of the “lady tasting tea” experiment
