FFSE-2024 Keynotes

The 4th Forum on Frontiers of Science and Engineering (FFSE)

Towards Interdisciplinary Sustainability Research (ISR)

Lingnan University, Hong Kong, July 21 - 22, 2024


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Keynote Presentation


Build an end-to-end scalable data science ecosystem by integrating statistics, ML, and Domain Science

Xihong Lin

Department of Biostatistics and Department of Statistics

Harvard University

Abstract:

The data science ecosystem encompasses data fairness, statistical, ML methods and tools, interpretable data analysis, and trustworthy decision-making. Rapid advancements in ML have revolutionized data utilization and enabled machines to learn from data more effectively. Statistics, as the science of learning from data while accounting for uncertainty, plays a pivotal role in addressing complex real-world problems and facilitating trustworthy decision-making. In this talk, I will discuss the challenges and opportunities involved in building an end-to-end scalable data science ecosystem that integrates statistics, ML, and domain science. I will illustrate key points using the analysis of whole genome sequencing data and electronic health records. This talk aims to ignite proactive and thought-provoking discussions, foster collaboration, and cultivate open-minded approaches to advance scientific discovery.

Biography:

Xihong Lin is Professor and former Chair of Biostatistics, and Coordinating Director of the Program in Quantitative Genomics at Harvard School of Public Health, and Professor of Statistics at Harvard University. Dr. Lin works on the development and application of statistical and machine learning methods for analysis of big and complex genomic and health data. Dr. Lin was elected to the US National Academy of Medicine in 2018 and the US National Academy of Sciences in 2023. She received the 2002 Mortimer Spiegelman Award from the American Public Health Association, the 2006 Presidents’ Award from the Committee of Presidents of Statistical Societies (COPSS). She also received the 2017 COPSS FN David Award, the 2022 National Institute of Statistical Sciences Sacks Award for Outstanding Cross-Disciplinary Research, and the 2022 Zelen Leadership in Statistical Science Award. She is an elected fellow of American Statistical Association, Institute of Mathematical Statistics, and International Statistical Institute. Dr. Lin’s research has been supported by the MERIT Award (2007-2015) and the Outstanding Investigator Award (2015-2029) from the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Lin is the former Chair of COPSS and is the former Editor of several biostatistical journals.