RSS Leads Data Science Standards Initiative

In the UK, the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) is leading an initiative to establish industry-wide professional standards for data science. The move aims to give the public confidence in how their data is being used ethically, stored safely and analysed robustly.

The RSS will work alongside the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), the Operational Research Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the National Physical Laboratory, the Royal Society, and the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications. The partners will help develop a professional framework for the field of data science, starting with existing academic qualifications and progressing to current professional standards. The group will also work with universities to ensure that educational programmes deliver the right skills and knowledge for those looking to enter the profession.

This initiative follows recommendations in the Royal Society's 2019 report on 'Dynamics of data science skills', that data science should be developed as a profession; and that in the longer term, professional bodies should work together with employers and universities to identify the skills needed for data scientists and develop accreditation to ensure students and professionals can be confident in the quality of new courses.

RSS CEO Stian Westlake (pictured) comments: 'You wouldn't let a doctor perform heart surgery or an architect design your house without being confident they were working to the highest standards. We believe that people who deal with our data should follow equally high standards - and gain recognition for doing so. Today's move is an important step to professionalising the field, and helping us harness data for the public good'.

Web site: www.rss.org.uk .