Recognizing that the future of Bayesian statistics depends on cultivating new talent, ISBA established j-ISBA as an official arm of the society focused on graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career faculty. The network provides a supportive community where junior Bayesians can share ideas, find collaborators, and receive mentorship from established leaders in the field.
Mission and Goals
j-ISBA's mission is to foster the professional development of early-career researchers working in Bayesian statistics. The network pursues this mission through several channels: organizing conferences and workshops specifically for junior researchers, facilitating mentoring relationships, maintaining an active online community, and advocating for the interests of young Bayesians within the broader ISBA structure.
j-ISBA generally considers researchers to be "junior" if they are within approximately eight years of completing their doctoral degree. This inclusive definition ensures that graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career faculty all benefit from the network's activities and support.
Key Activities
The flagship event organized by j-ISBA is the Bayesian Young Statisticians Meeting (BAYSM), a biennial conference that provides a platform for junior researchers to present their work in a supportive and collegial environment. BAYSM has been held in locations around the world, attracting participants from dozens of countries and fostering international collaboration.
In addition to BAYSM, j-ISBA organizes satellite workshops at ISBA World Meetings, webinar series featuring both established and emerging researchers, and social events that help build lasting professional connections. The network also maintains active communication channels through social media, mailing lists, and its website.
Mentoring and Professional Development
j-ISBA runs mentoring programs that pair junior researchers with senior Bayesian statisticians. These mentoring relationships provide guidance on research direction, career choices, publication strategy, and navigating the academic job market. The network also organizes career panels and professional development workshops at conferences.
"j-ISBA gave me a community when I was just starting out. The connections I made at BAYSM have turned into long-term collaborations and friendships that have shaped my career."— Early-career ISBA member
Governance
j-ISBA is governed by a committee of elected junior researchers who serve as liaisons to the main ISBA board. This structure ensures that the voices and needs of early-career Bayesians are represented in the society's decision-making. Officers typically serve two-year terms and are responsible for organizing events, managing communications, and overseeing the mentoring program.