Research at NISS is project-oriented and directed at solution of difficult scientific problems, with strong feedback to statistical methodology and theory. Support comes from government agencies, industrial research partners, the Research Triangle universities and corporate and university affiliates. Senior statisticians and scientists can participate in development of a proposed project, or may join a project already in progress. The NISS Affiliates program, established in 2000, creates ties among academic, corporate and government groups in order to identify and solve important cross-disciplinary problems. The program also promotes, through regular meetings, interaction among representatives of statistical sciences groups and programs around the United States.
Affiliates influence the development and shape of NISS programs and activities.
Through NISS, their personnel can interact with other scientists from a multiplicity of settings on a variety of important issues. Affiliates also receive early notification and access to initiatives and events as NISS develops them. The Affiliates and programs are publicized through the NISS Web site, in NISS publications, via a newsletter reporting the activities of the program and in the NISS Annual Report. The 16,000 square foot facility provides space for forty resident researchers, together with classrooms, computing facilities and conference rooms. Work on NISS projects occurs at NISS headquarters, at the Research Triangle universities and over the last 2 years at fifteen universities and laboratories across the nation.