Mathematical Statistics applied to Forest Sciences

Mathematical statistics, or simply statistics, is the science of how data involving random variation or uncertainty is collected, analyzed, and presented. We all know that the shape and size of trees vary, and that the weather changes from one day to the next. Mathematical statistics deals with the laws governing variation and how one can find regularity in the irregular. With collected data and an appropriate model that adequately accounts for variation in time and space, one can make statements about the reality under study, test hypotheses, make predictions, and reach well-founded decisions.

Mathematical statistics has become increasingly important in applied sciences where quantitative measurements are made, not least within forest science. Access to new data collection techniques has led to a massive increase in available data in many areas of forest science, which places ever higher demands on both efficient and robust analytical tools. In forest mathematical statistics, there is therefore a constant need to develop appropriate methods, while the ever-larger datasets we encounter in many disciplines of research and practical work today require methodological advances within the field. In other disciplines, data collection is still associated with considerable costs, which means that relevant methodology (including the development of such) for smaller datasets will always remain important. In forest science, statistical tools for analysis are an integral part of research, and the development of new methods as well as the adaptation of existing ones will need to take place in close interaction between statistics and forest science as a whole.

The subject area offers free statistical consultation for SLU employees via Statistics@SLU.se, which is a Center for Statistics at SLU. The center also provides several doctoral courses in statistics.