The 4Es of effective statistical practice and data science partnerships: A primer for external organizations and academia

The 9th Stu Hunter Conference held at Rothamsted Experimental Station in Cotswolds, UK featured a session on statistical practice. Stu Hunter and his contemporaries were intimately tied to statistical practice through their applications-driven methods developments. The world of academic partnerships with government and industry has continued to grow in complexity since then. This article provides an abridged education to smooth the way for productive partnerships. After motivating the need for this article and characterizing statistical practice, we focus on the 4Es of effective statistical practice and data science partnership that include (1) Educate the students, (2) Establish the expectations, (3) Execute the work, and (4) Elevate the practice. These principles form the foundation for establishing long-lasting partnerships that benefit the academy, industry, government and society at large.