''What do I need statistics for?'' – answers for Generation Z

A panel discussion was held at the awards ceremony for the competitors of the 8th Statistical Competition

''How does statistics help with making some big life decisions?'', ''Can statisticians be more in demand than influencers?'', and many more interesting questions were discussed by experts from the field of statistics at a panel discussion ''What do I need statistics for'' - answers for Generation Z, held at the awards ceremony for the best teams in the eighth season of the Statistical Competition.

The panellists were Prof. Ksenija Dumičić, Ph.D., Full Professor Tenured in Statistics, Prof. Dragan Bagić, Ph.D., Full Professor at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Zagreb, Ksenija Puškarić, journalist at Lider magazine, Sabina Rako, Assistant Director and Head of the Development and Service Management Department at Srce, Assoc. Prof. Nenad Šuvak, Ph.D., Associate Professor at the School of Applied Mathematics and Informatics, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, and Lidija Brković, Director General of the Croatian Bureau of Statistics.

Led by moderator Zlata Muck Sušec, the panellists touched on numerous topics related to statistics and sparked a lively discussion among those present.

Statistics was discussed in an honest and inspiring manner, and the panellists shared personal stories and experiences about how they came to love statistics and why it is indispensable in making everyday decisions. Some said that they only fell in love with statistics in their final year of studies, while others admitted that they only encountered it when they entered the world of work. However, they all agreed that statistics accompanies them daily in all areas of life and that they are proud to be able to share their experience with younger generations.

"I am extremely proud that, in a project like this, we have the opportunity to develop statistical literacy among young people", emphasized the Director General of the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, Lidija Brković, with a strong message: "You are the key to our future. Statistical literacy can help you understand and shape the world around you".

To the young people who showed exceptional interest and skills, Prof. Ksenija Dumičić, Ph.D., Full Professor Tenured in Statistics, said the following: ''Knowledge is power, and knowledge of statistics is a superpower. The best way to defend yourself against fake news is with knowledge. Knowledge in general, and knowledge of statistics in particular. I recommend that statistics always follows you on your path''.

The goal of the panel discussion was to encourage the younger generation to develop an interest in learning statistics, and to recognize its key role in shaping everyday life and making quality decisions.

You can watch the entire panel discussion on our YouTube channel.

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