It depends... bad decisions and how to avoid them

About the lecture

In evidence-based decision-making, we use data collected on subjects to inform our decisions. But first we need to think about whether there are relationships between these subjects that the data were collected on. Dependence is everywhere. If we don't account for this, we can make really bad decisions – in the courtroom, politics, finance, climate change... or in the bedroom. We will discuss some important cases where things have gone wrong in the past due to a failure to appropriately account for dependence, and some key principles to keep in mind to make better decisions in the future.

About the speaker

Professor David Warton is a leading researcher in ecological statistics at the UNSW School of Mathematics and Statistics, where he works at the intersection of theory and practice. His research focuses on understanding complex relationships in data, particularly the role of dependence, to improve evidence‑based decisions in ecology and beyond. Professor Warton leads the Eco-Stats group in the School of Mathematics and Statistics, and founded the UNSW statistical consulting and collaboration unit, Stats Central, reflecting his commitment to building the statistical capacity of UNSW researchers and advanced research students.

Schedule

4-5pm: Presentation by Professor David Warton in Room 4082, Anita B. Lawrence Centre, UNSW
5-6pm: Reception with refreshments in Room 3082, Anita B. Lawrence Centre, UNSW

Frontiers in Fundamental Mathematics Research Nexus

This event is presented by the UNSW School of Mathematics and Statistics and is part of our Frontiers in Fundamental Mathematics Research Nexus series, which aims to highlight fundamental research in the mathematical sciences, with an emphasis on the significance and impact of fundamental mathematics to a diverse range of areas within mathematics and beyond.
Learn more about the Nexus Program.

Venue

Room 4082 of the Anita B. Lawrence Centre - Centre Wing (UNSW map ref: H15). Please enter the Anita B. Lawrence Centre building via the Centre Wing or East Wing entrances of the School of Mathematics and Statistics.

Accessibility

Please note that the Anita B. Lawrence Building rooms 3082 and 4082 are wheelchair accessible. When you register, please indicate if you have any accessibility requirements and we will get in touch with you to ensure they can be accommodated.