Yoav Benjamini

My scientific work combines theoretical research in statistical methodology with applied research that involves complex problems with massive data. The methodological work is on selective and simultaneous inference (multiple comparisons) and focuses on the “False Discovery Rate” (FDR) approach to the problem. In recent years this work led me to attend to the replicability problem in science: Often, the results of studies gaining headlines cannot be replicated by other experimenters. Part of the problem is the use of statistical tools that fail to address the challenge of selective inference. I am trying to develop tools that will aid researchers to cope with this problem, tailored for the special needs in Medicine, Epidemiology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Neuroscience and Behavior.

In these areas and others, I enjoy cooperating with scientists on the design and analysis of their experiments. The computational and statistical tools being developed enable us to find structure in the huge data sets being compiled in such experiments. Sadly to be noted is my long cooperation with Prof. Ilan Golani, who passed away this year, investigating exploratory behavior of animals, work that led us recently to study Autism in early age.

Statistics is the oldest discipline devoted to the collection and analysis of data and communicating its result. The statistical point of view calls for relying on data-based evidence rather than feelings and beliefs for decision making yet recognizes the need to cope with the uncertainty that is always present. As such, Statistics is a core component of data science and current AI. I devote time and efforts in promoting research, education and practice in these areas.

Recipient of the The Rausseeuw Prize in Statistics for introducing the FDR with the late Prof. Hochberg and for further expansions of surrounding work together with my ex-students Prof. Daniel Yekutieli and Prof. Ruth Heller.

Recipient of The Israel Prize in Economics & Statistics and The Karl Pearson Prize of the International Statistical Inst.

Member of the Israeli National Academy of Science and International Member of the US National Academy of Sciences

Member of the Sagol School of Neuroscience, Edmond J. Safra Center for Bioinformatics, and the Colton Center for autoimmunity at Tel Aviv University. Member of the Israel Statistical Association, American Statistical Association, The Institute of Mathematical Statistics and the Eastern Mediterranean Region of the International Biometric Society.