ASA President's Address and Awards

In this talk, I will explore the impact of statistics, data science, and artificial intelligence on modern society. Drawing from my personal and professional journey, I will share anecdotes, highlighting lessons learned that have shaped my understanding of how data-driven approaches advance science and meaningfully improve human lives. I will discuss how rigorous statistical frameworks underpin responsible AI technologies. Attention will be given to emerging challenges and opportunities, including the increasing need for a statistically literate public, interpretable models, and ethical considerations in decision-making. Recognizing that statisticians, working in multidisciplinary teams, have contributed to every major scientific and technological breakthrough, the presentation will conclude with a vision for the future - one where statistics serves not only as the backbone of scientific inquiry but as an essential bridge between technological advancement and human welfare.