The American Statistical Association (ASA) has awarded Dr. Sallie Ann Keller the prestigious Links Lecture Award, an honor recognizing her outstanding contributions to advancing official statistics in the United States. This award celebrates Keller’s significant work in addressing the critical data needs faced by U.S. society, touching on areas fundamental to our economy, health, security, and quality of life. Established in 2017 to honor pioneers Constance Citro, Robert Groves, and Fritz Scheuren, the award is given annually to an individual whose work and vision contribute to the advancement of the federal statistical system.
Reflecting on Dr. Keller’s impact, Ron Wasserstein, Executive Director of the American Statistical Association, remarked, “Throughout her career, Sallie Keller has made a profound impact on the field of official statistics. By fostering innovative methodologies and promoting data transparency, Sallie’s work exemplifies the promise of official statistics to address complex societal challenges and guide policy with integrity and precision. Her contributions not only enhance the statistical community but also honor the legacy of Constance Citro, Robert Groves, and Fritz Scheuren, whose pioneering efforts were the impetus for the Links Lecture Award.”
Dr. Keller, currently serving as the chief scientist and associate director of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Research and Methodology Directorate, brings an extensive background in data science, social informatics, and decision analytics. In her role, she leads several research centers dedicated to innovating in social and economic measurement, collaborating with experts worldwide to ensure the U.S. Census Bureau’s continued leadership in economic and social statistics.
A distinguished professor at the University of Virginia (UVA) and holder of multiple faculty appointments across UVA’s School of Medicine, School of Engineering and Applied Science, and School of Data Science, Dr. Keller’s work has been instrumental in expanding the role of data science across disciplines. Her pioneering efforts support greater data accessibility and confidentiality and help build the "science of all data" to benefit society broadly.
“Dr. Keller’s recognition by the American Statistical Association with the Links Lecture Award is a testament to her visionary leadership and dedication to advancing data science for public good. Her work has continually pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in official statistics, fostering innovation that empowers decision-making across diverse sectors,” said Dr. Madhav Marathe, executive director of the UVA Biocomplexity Institute. “We are proud of her remarkable achievements and the lasting impact she’s making in the field of statistics and beyond.”
Throughout her career, Dr. Keller has held key academic and scientific positions, including leadership roles at the University of Waterloo, Virginia Tech, Rice University, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the National Science Foundation. Her work has received recognition through her election to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, her membership in the National Academy of Sciences' board, and her fellowships with the American Statistical Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the International Statistics Institute.
The Links Lecture Award highlights Dr. Keller’s lifelong commitment to advancing data-driven decision-making processes that address essential questions in society. Her work, supported by her extensive background in mathematics and statistics, demonstrates her vision for a more informed and data-literate future.