Inauguration by Professor M.A Oommen
A hand-drawn portrait of Professor A.M. Mathai — a small token of appreciation for his contributions to Statistical Mathematics
The International Conference on Statistics, Theory, and Applications (ICSTC 2024) once again unfolded as a remarkable celebration of knowledge, collaboration, and global academic spirit. Following the resounding success of ICSTC 2023, this year’s event took the legacy even further by bringing together some of the finest minds in statistics from across the world, fostering meaningful discussions and opening new horizons in statistical research.
The conference was graciously inaugurated by Professor Oommen Malayil Abraham Oommen, a distinguished economist and academic from Kerala, India, whose pioneering work spans across democracy, development, decentralization, and the economic landscape of Kerala and India. Having also served as the Economic Advisor to the Government of Botswana, Professor Oommen’s insightful inaugural address resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the profound role of statistics in driving socio-economic progress and informed policymaking. His presence and words set an inspiring tone for the days to follow.
What made ICSTC 2024 truly special was the sheer diversity of ideas it brought to the table. Over the course of the conference, participants were immersed in 60 Invited and Special Invited Talks, 23 Keynote and Plenary Sessions, and more than 80 Contributory Talks. Each session was a gateway to discovering innovative methodologies, real-world applications, and groundbreaking research in fields like Clinical Trials, Biostatistics, Industrial Statistics, Reliability Theory, Sampling Theory, Time Series, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science.
The discussions not only highlighted cutting-edge research but also sparked thoughtful debates on emerging trends and challenges in statistics. Experts and young researchers alike found themselves inspired, connecting with like-minded professionals and establishing potential future collaborations. The energy in the room, coupled with the wide reach of online participants, reaffirmed the global appeal of ICSTC as a platform for interdisciplinary exchange.
One of the most memorable moments of ICSTC 2024 was the heartfelt recognition extended to Professor A.M. Mathai (McGill University, Canada), honoring his outstanding contributions to Statistical Mathematics. Having left an indelible mark on the field, Professor Mathai’s pioneering work has inspired generations of statisticians, and it was only fitting that ICSTC 2024 took a moment to celebrate his legacy. This tribute evoked a deep sense of gratitude and pride in the statistical community.
Adding to the celebratory spirit, ICSTC 2024 also became a stage to recognize academic excellence through prestigious awards. The coveted A.M. Mathai Best PhD Thesis Award for 2023 was conferred upon Dr. Jitto Jose, University of Kerala, for his exceptional doctoral work. Another proud moment came with the presentation of the TSKM Moothathu Young Statistician Award 2023 to Dr. Dadasaheb G. Godase, Assistant Professor at The New College, Kolhapur, in recognition of his promising early-career contributions to statistical research.
The conference also witnessed the much-awaited Best Paper Competition Results being announced, encouraging young scholars to push the frontiers of statistical research.
Adding a touch of academic tradition, the prestigious Professor C.R. Rao-Bhargavi Rao Gold Medal was awarded to the top performer of the M.Sc. Statistics Degree Programme, while the Professor K. Kalyanaraman Gold Medal recognized the first, second, and third rank holders of the M.Sc. Applied Statistics and Data Analytics Programme. These recognitions served as a powerful reminder of the thriving future of statistics in the hands of emerging talents.
As ICSTC 2024 drew to a close, there was an undeniable feeling of fulfillment and inspiration in the air. The conference, with its seamless blend of thought-provoking discussions, global networking, and recognition of excellence, once again reaffirmed its place as a significant global platform for statistics. The participation, both in-person and virtual, blurred geographical boundaries and created a thriving environment of knowledge-sharing and academic camaraderie.
While the curtains came down on ICSTC 2024, the echoes of knowledge, collaboration, and inspiration lingered on. The event not only strengthened global academic networks but also laid the groundwork for future research and innovation in statistics. As we now turn our gaze toward future editions, ICSTC 2024 will be remembered as a remarkable symphony of global statistical minds coming together, igniting new ideas, and shaping the future of data science and statistical research.
For more updates, event highlights, and future engagements, please visit our official website: [ICSTC 2024 ].