Abstract:
 
Join us for an event marking the recent launches of “The Art of Statistics” by Sir David Spiegelhalter and “Statistical: Ten Easy Ways to Avoid Being Misled By Numbers” by Anthony Reuben.
 
Sir David and Anthony will be joined by writer, comedian and broadcaster Timandra Harkness for what promised to be a lively discussion surrounding the two new books and the subject of statistics.
 
Sir David Spiegelhalter is a former President of the Royal Statistical Society and the current Winton Professor for the Public Understanding of Risk at the University of Cambridge. Sir David works to improve the way in which risk and statistical evidence are taught and discussed in society. He gives many presentations to schools and others, advises organisations on risk communication, and is a regular commentator on risk issues. He presented the BBC4 documentaries ‘Tails You Win: The Science of Chance’ and the award-winning ‘Climate Change by Numbers’.
 
Anthony Reuben was the BBC's first head of statistics and now works on the corporation's Reality Check strand, which he helped to create. Anthony has been a journalist for 24 years and has twice won the RSS award for statistical excellence in journalism. “Statistical" is his first book.
 
The Art of Statistics
 
In "The Art of Statistics", David Spiegelhalter guides the reader through the essential principles we need in order to derive knowledge from data. Drawing on real world problems to introduce conceptual issues, he shows us how statistics can help us determine the luckiest passenger on the Titanic, whether serial killer Harold Shipman could have been caught earlier, and if screening for ovarian cancer is beneficial.
 
“Spiegelhalter’s work serves as a reminder that there are passionate, self-aware statisticians who can argue eloquently that their discipline is needed now more than ever.” Financial Times
  
Statistical: Ten Easy Ways to Avoid Being Misled By Numbers
 
How do we distinguish statistical fact from fiction? What can we do to decide whether a number, claim or news story is accurate? Without an understanding of data, we cannot truly understand what is going on in the world around us.
 
Written by Anthony Reuben, a current RSS fellow, "Statistical" is an accessible and empowering guide to challenging the numbers all around us.
 
"Refreshingly clear and engaging." Tim Harford
 

This event will be followed by a Drinks Reception.

Tea and coffee alongside registration will be open from 18.15pm

Attendance is free and open to all, whether fellows of the RSS or not, but pre-registration is required