COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL STATISTICS (CNSTAT)

OVERVIEW

The Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT) was established at the National Academies in 1972 at the recommendation of the President’s Commission on Federal Statistics. Its original mandate was to provide an independent and objective resource for evaluating and improving the work of the highly decentralized U.S. federal statistical system. While it continues to fulfill this mandate, the work of CNSTAT has expanded to include undertaking studies from a broad range of research and program agencies of the federal government.

The Committee’s mission is to improve the statistical methods and information on which public policy decisions are based. It works to improve the data collection and estimation methods for a wide range of federal statistical activities, to further the application of statistics to better implement and evaluate federal programs, and to improve statistical methods for application to public affairs and to social, economic, and other scientific research.

The work of CNSTAT is guided by an interdisciplinary committee of about 15 experts in applied statistics, biostatistics, economics, demography, sociology, survey research, statistical agency management, and operations research. Committee members are volunteers appointed by the president of the National Academy of Sciences. Members typically serve a 3-year term, with an opportunity for a second term.

The Committee on National Statistics is located within the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education of the National Research Council (NRC), the operating arm of the National Academies.

This site is intended to provide up-to-date information on the Committee's activities and findings. For those seeking specific statistical information or data, links to numerous statistical agencies have been provided for your convenience. We are, of course, happy to answer questions about any of our reports or projects. Please send any questions or comments to cnstat@nas.edu.