title: Biostatistical science as a discipline: a look into the future.
abstract: The field of biostatistics is enjoying unparalleled developments. Never before have members of our profession been in such demand. Current applications are significantly influencing the direction of research in statistical methodology. It is not clear whether there is a discipline which can be termed 'biostatistics', but we are part of the emergence of a discipline which is termed 'biostatistical science'. It refers to the applications of statistics, probability, computing and mathematics to the life sciences, with the goal of advancing our knowledge of a subject-matter field in this area. This paper discusses the role of computing, some aspects of training, and future directions of biostatistical science. A special role is envisioned for the Biometric Society to be more active in problems associated with developing countries.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001699:Biometry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012958:Societies, Scientific; D014481:United States