Jeffrey D. Dawson and Christopher S. Coffey from the University of Iowa College of Public Health have been named 2016 Fellows of the American Statistical Association (ASA), the nation’s preeminent professional statistical society. Dawson is professor of biostatistics and associate dean for faculty affairs, and Coffey is professor of biostatistics and director of the Clinical Trials Statistical and Data Management Center (CTSDMC).

To be recognized as an ASA Fellow, each honoree must make outstanding professional contributions to and have exhibited leadership in the field of statistical science.

Dawson was recognized for his significant contributions to research in driving safety and cardiovascular health; for innovative methodological advances in the analysis of longitudinal, ordinal, and categorical data; and for service to the profession.

Coffey was honored for contributions to the design and analysis of clinical trials; for leadership in the coordination and conduct of clinical trials; for outstanding education and mentoring of statisticians, scientists, and clinical trialists; and for outstanding leadership and service to ASA and the profession.

They will be officially recognized at an awards ceremony August 2, 2016, during the Joint Statistical Meetings (JSM 2016) in Chicago.

The designation of ASA Fellow has been a significant honor for nearly 100 years. Under ASA bylaws, the Committee on Fellows can elect up to one-third of one percent of the total membership as fellows each year. Individuals are nominated by their peers in the association membership.

To be honored, nominees must have an established reputation and have made outstanding contributions in statistical science. The Committee on Fellows evaluates each candidate’s contributions to the advancement of statistical science and places due weight to published works, the position held with their employer, ASA activities, membership and accomplishments in other societies and other professional activities.

The American Statistical Association is the world’s largest community of statisticians and the second-oldest continuously operating professional society in the United States. Its members serve in industry, government and academia in more than 90 countries, advancing research and promoting sound statistical practice to inform public policy and improve human welfare.