Federal and state agencies across the country are hiring chief data scientists and analytics officers to meet the growing demand for advanced analytics in the public sector. As more government agencies and programs turn to data for answers, a rigorous, scientific approach becomes even more critical to understanding their findings. For a variety of public programs—in health, education, and other human services—advanced analytics can be used to identify fraud, waste, and abuse; to predict outcomes for program participants; and to identify cost-saving strategies for policymakers. High quality, advanced analytics can guide decision makers as they pursue more efficient and effective programming.
On Wednesday, May 20, 2015, Mathematica's Center for Improving Research Evidence (CIRE) will host a research forum and webinar to discuss how advanced analytics can help policymakers, program administrators, and direct services staff enhance their programs by providing rapid, reliable, and relevant information. Topics will include:
- An overview of advanced data science
- The value of high quality analytics in public-sector decision making
- Examples of advanced analytics in action
- The future of advanced analytics
Three panels of experts and data scientists will lead our discussion and conduct an interactive learning session on capabilities and techniques related to advanced analytics. The panel agenda is as follows:
PANEL 1: INTRODUCTION TO ADVANCED ANALYTICS
Welcome to the CIRE Forum
Ann Person, Mathematica
Advanced Analytics: What It Is and Why It's Important
Myles Maxfield, Mathematica
The Importance of Quality in Analytics for Public Programs
Niall Brennan, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
PANEL 2: ANALYTICS IN ACTION
Moderator: Stuart Buck, Laura and John Arnold Foundation
Jeff Ballou, Mathematica
Andrew LaMont Eanes, Social Security Administration
Irma Perez-Johnson, Mathematica
PANEL 3: THE ANALYTICS FRONTIER
Moderator: Chris Kardish, GOVERNING Magazine
Jennifer Brooks, National Governors Association Center for Best Practices
Scott Cody, Mathematica
Mark Peterson, United States Agency for International Development
4:30–5:30: NETWORKING/REFRESHMENTS
In-person check-in begins at 2:45 p.m., and the program begins at 3:00 p.m. All in-person guests must sign in and present a photo ID.
A video trailer for the forum and webinar can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/124933132.