The transformation of IAOS 1985–2015: Learning from the past

Abstract

The paper provides a summary of the history of the IAOS from 1985 to 2017. Using archive material and recollections of former Presidents it charts the beginnings of the Association in the mid-1980s, reminding us of its original purpose. The paper discusses the successes of setting up the Journal, the Young Statisticians Prize and the web site. It covers the Malaguerra report which reviewed its purpose in 1999 as well as the 'revitalising' discussions of 2003. The paper gives useful tables of IAOS conferences, presidents and membership figures, and discusses some of the challenges it has faced, some of which remain relevant today.