Statistical research and consulting in universities from developing countries: The Colombian case

This paper focuses on describing the experience of statistical researchers and consultants of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, faculty and students, and of researchers who are not statisticians, at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. An analysis is made of the statistics programs of study including consulting activities, and of three surveys that were designed, distributed and analysed: one for the newly graduated and senior year students concerning their training in research and consulting during their studies; a second one for statistics staff at the department and a third for non-statistician researchers at the University who usually have to deal with statistical methods. A study is made of the main problems in the formation and training of students as statistical researchers and consultants, as well as the difficulties of the experienced researchers and consultants. Recommendations to improve the actual situation are proposed.