ISI family
The International Statistical Institute (ISI) is a non-profit, non-government organization. The ISI, its seven Associations and its organizational members make up the ISI family, with over 4500 members from over 100 countries. Our work and influence within the international statistical community are supported by standing and operational committees, special interest groups and regional networks. We cover a range of statistical areas and interests.
» Also see our official booklet «
Global reach
The ISI is unmatched in its global reach among statisticians and those interested in the field of statistics. We are also an association which connects to many international and national organizations, including national statistical societies, with a special focus on organizations in or supporting developing regions of the world. A majority of the world’s central bureaus of statistics and many central banks are represented within the ISI network of institutional and corporate members.
Since 1949 we have had consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC). We provide a welcoming environment for advancing statistical knowledge and learning best practices, for sharing state-of-the-art developments and for creating opportunities to network.
ISI congresses and conferences
Our flagship event is the ISI World Statistics Congress (WSC), which takes place once every two years in different countries and cities/venues. Though the ISI organizes the WSC, we work closely with the country’s National Statistics Office and Society.
The WSCs and their associated events are the highpoint of activities of the ISI. All of our Associations, Committees, members and participants involved in statistics worldwide, come together to participate in the many different activities of the WSC for an entire week, and in associated activities immediately before or after that week.
The ISI Regional Statistical Conferences serve as a platform to promote statistics and the ISI in different parts of the world.
Organization structure
The ISI is led by the ISI Executive Committee (EC) and the Council. The EC and Council report to the ISI members via Annual Reports and during the General Assembly, which meets annually. Individual ISI members constitute the General Assembly, which is responsible for final decisions and approvals such as changes to the Statutes and appointment of the members of the EC.
Mission and objectives
The ISI Mission is to lead, support and promote the understanding, development and good practice of statistics worldwide, by providing the core global network for statistics. This is reflected in our slogan:
Statistical Science for a Better World
Our mission and objectives are supported by Strategic Plans developed every few years by the ISI Executive Committee in consultation with the Council. They focus on the long-term goals of the ISI and on how to realize these goals.
Statutes and by-laws
The initial 81 members were the elite of that era’s statisticians in government and academia. They established our first statutes which have undergone several revisions since then. The current Statutes and By-Laws were adopted in 2011 under Dutch Law.
Principles and ethics
ISI’s Community Principles and Conduct Policy are fundamental for the ISI community and adhered to by the members of the ISI and the Associations.
The ISI Declaration on Professional Ethics provides a framework for statistical professionals to make individual decisions, based on common values and experiences.
Recognition and capacity building
- Prestigious awards of ISI and its Associations recognize statistical achievements and accomplishments.
- ISI obtains and administers support for members from developing countries to attend an extensive variety of international conferences. For starters, they receive extra discount on the registration fee for our World Statistics Congresses.
- We also develop and deliver statistical capacity building programmes, often in partnership with other stakeholders. These programmes include workshops/webinars to develop skills, and leadership and mentoring programs.
- ISI organizes activities to promote the careers of young statisticians.
History
We have a long history and a rich tradition. Officially, the ISI was established in 1885, although the initial international gatherings of statisticians started earlier, back in 1853. Therefore, we are one of the oldest scientific associations still active throughout the world today.