Reflections of a Professional Statistician

Abstract

This article was written to discuss the reliability and independence of statistics, which have been questioned by various media outlets. The author was also impressed by Mikhail Vladimirovich Karmanov’s article «Statistics as an Indicator of Maturity of the Authority», which was published in the journal «Voprosy Statistiki» in response to some unsubstantiated claims about almost conscious distortions and misrepre­sentation of the real situation by Rosstat.  The author of this article is one of those professional statisticians whose work is tarnished by publications, statements, and comments in the media. By the nature of his professional activity and being for many years the head of the Rosstat territorial statistical office, the author has a profound knowledge of the principles governing international statistical activities, in particular, scientific principles and professional, ethical norms.  The article addresses issues associated with sharing own experiences and learning from the best foreign practices of various countries and international organizations. The author discusses the existing issues and challenges and gives his own opinion on how to solve them. Special attention is given to the prestige of statistics as an occupation, training, and statistical education.  The article is written using examples from many years of practical experience, historical and cultural examples, and by its emotional presentation of material invites to further discussion of issues and challenges in statistics.