Statisticians can be thought of as explorers finding information in data. They collect, analyse and interpret data to help researchers and decision-makers. The collaborative nature of statistics is one of its most rewarding features. Statisticians also design and carry out research. They rely on computational skills, quantitative abilities, analytical reasoning and communications skills. At Otago, the Statistics Group is working in ecology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, quantitative genetics and on problems such as disease spread and seismic and volcanic hazards. Statistics is a discipline concerned with understanding patterns and relationships in data in the presence of variation and uncertainty. How do we discover the “truth” or signal hidden in the noise You can use statistics to solve real world problems. You work with researchers from many disciplines. Statisticians are key contributors to decision-making in business and government. You examine problems and work with researchers from many disciplines. Statistics will help you understand your chosen area of study. If you specialise in chemistry, psychology, health sciences, or economics and finance you will need to collect and interpret data. Statisticians are in short supply. You will improve your employment opportunities.