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16/04/2026 - 10:00 - Doyen 21 - 
 

Chair International Francqui Professorship 

Prof. Ian McKeague | Lecture : "The Tukey-Dyer method"

Abstract:  
As well as coining the word software, John Tukey famously remarked that the best thing about being a statistician is that you get to play in everyone’s backyard.  Tukey's point was that being a statistician gives the freedom to pursue an interest in almost any field.  In this two-part talk, I will argue for what I call the Tukey-Dyer method: the inspired choice of "a slight corner on something" as the starting point for creative work, even when you are not an expert.  The first part of the talk will discuss how the method can be useful in searching for novel ideas in statistics, whether A.I. can play a role, and how the method has helped start various projects I have been involved with over my career.  The second part of the talk will focus on recent work in the areas of functional data analysis and post-selection inference in which the Tukey-Dyer method has had an influence.

REGISTRATION   (deadline for registration April 5th)

When: 10:00-12:30 on April 16th.

Where: ‘Doyen’ Building (Auditorium Doyen 21), Place des Doyens, 1348 Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve. The easiest access is by entering via Place Rabelais. The room is on the 2nd floor.

More details about associated events are available at: https://feb.kuleuven.be/research/decision-sciences-and-information-management/events/FrancquiMcKeague

For all other information and specific requests, please reach out to: [email protected] - [email protected] 

For the local organizing committee at UCLouvain,
Prof. Catherine Legrand
Prof. Eugen Pircalabelu