On Monday (2), the National School of Statistical Sciences (ENCE) promoted an on-line round table, held via videoconference, in celebration of the Statistician Day. The event brought together experts from ENCE itself, the Fluminense Federal University (UFF) and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) to debate the contemporary challenges of the profession.

With the theme “Current Challenges for Statistics”, the meeting highlighted the strategic role of the area in the face of transformations driven by artificial intelligence, big data (large volumes of data) and the growing demand for evidence-based decisions.

Professor Renata Pacheco Nogueira Duarte, who highlighted the centrality of Statistics in a scenario of expansion of data science. According to her, “more than ever, Statistics has been at the center of discussions throughout this revolution” and the statistician has established himself as the professional capable of transforming data into information to guide decisions in different areas. The professor also highlighted the relevance of the date, which coincides with the Statistician Day, Geographer Day and the anniversary of the IBGE, reinforcing the historical and institutional importance of the area in Brazil.

The first presentation, led by Tiago Mendes Dantas, addressed the role of statisticians at the intersection between artificial intelligence and blockchain. The expert highlighted how the profession has transformed over the last few decades, following the advancement of computational capacity and the growth in the volume of data. For him, Statistics has never been more necessary than now, especially in the face of challenges such as auditing complex models, quantifying uncertainties and identifying biases in increasingly automated systems. In his analysis, the increasing use of opaque models — often developed outside the direct control of professionals — imposes new risks, requiring critical and vigilant action from the statisticians.

Afterwards, professor Guilherme Veloso, from UFF, brought to the discussion an essential point for contemporary practice: the communication of statistical results. In his speech, he highlighted that technical mastery, although necessary, is not enough to guarantee impact in the real world. “Often the problem is not in the model, but in the way in which the result is transmitted,” stated him. The professor highlighted the importance of translating complex analyses for different audiences, from managers and professionals from other areas to the general public, and presented tools that help in the production of reports, presentations and dashboards in an integrated manner.

Closing the presentations, professor Mariane Branco Alves, from the UFRJ, emphasized the role of the statisticians at the center of the data revolution. For her, the increased availability and complexity of information expands not only the opportunities for action, but also the responsibility of professionals. “Data does not speak for itself: it is required to formulate questions, provide context and model appropriately so that they can be transformed into useful information for decision-making.” The researcher also warned of the risks associated with the indiscriminate use of automated tools and highlighted the need for a solid theoretical foundation to guarantee reliable and ethical analyses. The event ended with an open debate with the public.