The SSN team brings together a diverse group of expert statisticians across ANU. Associate Professor Alice Richardson(SSN) leads the network, alongside Dr Danish Ahmad (SMP), Associate Professor Bernard Baffour (Demography), Dr Sumonkanti Das (RSFAS/SSN), Dr Kassel Hingee (RSFAS), Dr Geoff Kushnick (SoAA), Dr Emi Tanaka (BDSI), Dr Thiago Nascimento da Silva (SPIR), Dr Lillian Smyth (SMP), Dr Sam Passmore (CHL), Dr Joanne Thandrayen, and Professor Michael Smithson (SMP).
Synopsis
The ANU Statistical Support Network (SSN) is a collaborative network of statisticians providing expert advice on study design, data collection, and data analysis across the sciences and humanities. Research collaboration lies at the heart of its mission. Established in 2021 following organisational restructuring, the SSN builds on the legacy of its predecessor, the Statistical Consulting Unit, founded in 1982.
For a research-intensive university like ANU, early access to high-quality statistical support is vital in fostering good research practices. The SSN plays a key role in supporting Honours, Masters, and PhD students, helping them recognise the value of collaboration and encouraging them to seek advice at the outset of their projects.
The SSN enhances student learning through a wide range of activities tailored to diverse needs. Support is offered individually and in groups, both online and in person, and across short- and long-term engagements. Students also benefit from access to a range of static and interactive resources.
The impact of the SSN is evident in timely thesis completions, published research papers, and lasting contributions to knowledge across fields as varied as population health, linguistics, public policy, law, biology, computer science, and economics. Equally important, student satisfaction with the collaborative experience consistently demonstrates the value of the network in shaping positive and successful research outcomes.
(Photos by Tangyao Zhang and Rafael Florez, with additional images provided by award recipients)