Last week, I had the privilege of joining Galin Jones and the faculty of the University of Minnesota’s Department of Statistics for an inspiring Advisory Board meeting. It was a powerful reminder of how far our field has come - and how critical this moment is for the future of statistics, data science, and AI.

We’re at a pivotal point as a community. Statistics isn’t just adjacent to AI; it is the foundational discipline that makes modern machine learning possible. As universities double down on AI and Data Science initiatives, the opportunities opening up for students, faculty, and industry partners are truly transformational. These investments aren’t just about new programs - they’re shaping how the next generation of leaders will think, question, build, and innovate.

What struck me most during the discussions at Minnesota was the intentional, cross-functional approach the department is taking. The integration of statistics with computer science, engineering, and applied domains mirrors what we’re seeing across leading institutions: innovation is happening at the intersection of disciplines. And that’s exactly where the next breakthroughs in measurement, modeling, and real-world decision-making will come from.

For Slingwave, this moment resonates deeply. Our work sits squarely in the evolution of data-driven marketing - where rigorous statistical foundations meet practical, high-velocity decision-making. We’re proud to contribute to this momentum and to support the growing ecosystem of statisticians and data scientists shaping the future of measurement and AI.

It’s an exciting time for the field — and an even more exciting time to be building alongside such a vibrant academic and professional community.