THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF STATISTICS, THE AMERICAN STATISTICAL ASSOCIATION, AND A NEW COLLABORATION.

The year 2013 was designated as the International Year of Statistics, a world-wide recognition of the discipline of statistics and its contributions to science and society. The American Statistical Association is one of five statistical societies involved in the conception, planning, and coordination of the International Year celebration. In the spirit of the International Year, which recognizes the global importance of statistics, a delegation of American Statistical Association members visited Havana in May 2013 with the goal of forging ties between statisticians in the United States and Cuba. We provide an overview of the American Statistical Association, the International Year of Statistics, the experience of the delegation, and goals for future interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]