IMS Council has recently voted to create a new annual prize, the IMS Thelma and Marvin Zelen Emerging Women Leaders in Data Science Award. Find out how you can get involved.
In today’s data landscape, there is a notable surge in extensive and varied datasets, encompassing big data and unstructured data types. This surge underscores the need for advanced tools and methodologies that can facilitate effective analysis and comprehension. Data science, with its emphasis on predictive modeling, machine learning, data exploration, and automation, offers the essential framework for extracting valuable insights, facilitating informed decision-making, and addressing intricate real-world challenges. By integrating data science into the modern realm of statistical science, statistics can gracefully adapt to the evolving data landscape, leverage cutting-edge technologies, and maintain relevance within the data-driven decision-making landscape across diverse sectors and industries.
Recognizing the contributions of women researchers in data science is imperative as it advances diversity, equality, and inclusion, fuels innovation, inspires future generations, and enables us to tap into a wide range of talent and perspectives for tackling intricate, data-driven problems, ultimately yielding benefits for the field and society at large. There haven’t been many awards that acknowledge the achievements of emerging women leaders in data science. It is highly beneficial for the IMS community to institute such an award, setting examples and motivating valuable contributions. The “IMS Thelma and Marvin Zelen Emerging Women Leaders in Data Science Leaders Award” is designed to acknowledge the achievements of young women data scientists who have made substantial contributions to the data science field and demonstrated leadership qualities.
The award will be given annually to three women data scientists, who have not yet reached their 41st birthdays during the year of the award. The IMS gives the award committee latitude to consider nominees with extenuating circumstances that may have delayed professional achievements. The award, consisting of a plaque, a citation, and a cash honorarium, will be presented at the IMS Presidential Awards Ceremony held at the IMS Annual Meeting.
Raising funds for the prize
The committee aims to raise $150,000 to establish the award. The IMS Thelma and Marvin Zelen Emerging Women Leaders in Data Science Fund is an endowment fund that provides a financial prize given annually to acknowledge the achievements of young women data scientists who have made substantial contributions to the data science field and demonstrated leadership qualities. You can donate to the fund at https://imstat.org/shop/donation/
Professor Marvin Zelen (1927–2014), a prominent figure in biostatistics, was recognized not only as a leading light but also celebrated for his forward-thinking vision, generosity, and nurturing mentorship, guiding two generations of researchers. He chaired the Department of Biostatistics at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health from 1981–1990, leaving a lasting impact. Additionally, during the 1970s at the Sidney Farber Cancer Center (now Dana–Farber Cancer Institute), he played a pivotal role in founding, and leading until 1999, the Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology (now the Department of Data Science), significantly contributing to the Institute’s global growth and influence.
Prof. Zelen gained renown for pioneering data science contributions, particularly in statistical methodologies and study designs crucial for clinical cancer trials, which evaluate drug safety and efficacy. He introduced measures to enhance data quality and reduce biases, now industry standards, advancing clinical trial research and cancer treatment. His data science research spanned key areas, including early cancer detection, cancer progression modeling, and optimizing screening strategies, especially for breast cancer. Dr. Zelen’s lasting impact as an advocate for integrating quantitative methodologies into global clinical cancer research is evident through his transformative contributions, encompassing experimental designs, data analysis, quality assurance, academic leadership, nonprofit models, mentorship, and philanthropy, benefiting researchers worldwide.
Thelma Zelen, often regarded as the driving force behind Marvin Zelen’s groundbreaking work in data science and biostatistics, played a pivotal but less visible role in supporting and enabling her husband’s achievements. Including Thelma Zelen’s name in the award not only honors her significant contributions but also symbolizes the inclusive and collaborative ethos that should be at the core of data science and scientific endeavors at large.
Look out for a call for nominations in a forthcoming issue. In the meantime, you can start to think about who you will be nominating! Thank you, too, for any contributions to the fund for this award.