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Description

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The goal of quantitative science is to enable informed decisions and actions through a dataâdriven understanding of complex scientific questions. It is the role of any quantitative scientist (pharmacometrician, statistician, epidemiologist, etc.) to support this goal through (1) elucidation of the scientific question of interest, (2) appropriate quantitative methods (experimental design, statistical or mathematical models, etc.) and (3) effective communication of results. All of these aspects work in concert; one without the others is not sufficient.

Scientific influence relies on effective communication, however, we often focus on the former and neglect the latter, with sophisticated investigations remain without impact. Effective visual communication is a core competency for the quantitative scientist [1]. It is essential in every step of the quantitative workflow, from scoping to execution and communicating results and conclusions. With this competency, we can better understand data and influence decisions towards appropriate actions. Without it, we can fool ourselves and others and pave the way to wrong conclusions and actions.

In this talk, I will present an example of a concerted effort to improve the way we (visually) communicate as statisticians at Novartis, sharing experiences of an internal initiative to help foster the use of good graphs in pharmaceutical statistics [2]. I will also discuss the role of the new STRATOS visualization panel [3] to promote the use of good graphical principles for effective visual communication. The aim of the panel is to provide guidance and recommendations covering all aspects from the design, implementation and review of statistical graphics.

[1] https://arxiv.org/abs/1903.09512
[2] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/pst.1912
[3] STRATOS visualisation panel : http://www.stratos-initiative.org/node/61

(Presentation 40 min. + Discussion 20 min.)</p>