Professor of Biostatistics Marianthi Markatou has been named Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (IMS). Markatou received the award for, according to the IMS, “outstanding accomplishments on fundamental research in robust statistics and for a strong commitment to the advancement of statistical science through interdisciplinary research and professional service.” Markatou also holds an appointment in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and is assistant director of the Institute for Healthcare Informatics.
The Institute of Mathematical Statistics is an international scholarly and professional society that fosters the development and dissemination of the theory and applications of statistics and probability. The designation of IMS Fellow has been a significant honor for over 85 years. Each fellow has demonstrated distinction in research in statistics or probability or has demonstrated leadership that has profoundly influenced the field. Candidates for the IMS Fellowship are nominated by three other IMS Fellows. Each fellow nominee is assessed by a committee of their peers for the award. In 2021, after reviewing 75 nominations, the IMS selected 41 fellows.
“This honor recognizes, among other accomplishments, Dr. Markatou’s contributions in the area of data science,” said Gregory Wilding, PhD, chair of the Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions. “She is an acknowledged expert with a distinguished body of work that has advanced the field.” Data science combines multiple fields, including statistics, scientific methods, and data analysis, to extract usable, tangible value from data.
In considering new fellows, the IMS looks closely at candidates’ entire research portfolio, which in Markatou’s case emphasizes statistical and interdisciplinary research. According to Markatou, her interdisciplinary interests “connect the areas of biomedical informatics (clinical, public health and translational) and computer science (machine learning, artificial intelligence) with fundamental statistical concepts and develop tools that enable discovery in both statistical sciences and the subject-matter areas that use them.”
During her career, she has intentionally acquired experience in interdisciplinary research, with her significant results and impact validated by associated awards, accumulated knowledge and ongoing work in academia, government and industry. Markatou’s disciplinary research endeavors have led to fundamental contributions to statistical science (statistics and biostatistics) and applicable research into problems in the field.
Created in 1935, the Institute of Mathematical Statistics is a member organization that fosters the development and dissemination of the theory and applications of statistics and probability. The IMS has 3,500 active members throughout the world. Approximately 15% of the current IMS membership has earned the status of fellowship.