Rollins Professor Michael Kutner Wins Karl E. Peace Award
Michael Kutner, PhD, MS, Rollins Professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, is the recipient of the 2021 Karl E. Peace Award for Outstanding Statistical Contributions to the Betterment of Society. This award is offered annually by the American Statistical Association (ASA) to statisticians who, “have made substantial contributions to the statistical profession and to society in general.” The award will be presented at the ASA President’s Address and Founders and Fellows Recognition at the 2021 Joint Statistical Meetings in Seattle, Washington.
“It is a great honor to have been selected,” says Kutner, who notes that this award is one of the ASA’s most highly distinguished competitive awards.
Kutner was nominated for the award by Christopher J. Nachtsheim, PhD, from the University of Minnesota. In his nomination letter, Nachtsheim highlighted Kutner’s, “Long-standing commitment to the betterment of society through the application of statistical methods within biomedical research, particularly in the area of clinical trials; the development and dissemination of statistical training for students and researchers across international and interdisciplinary boundaries; and the support and mentoring of the next generation of statistical researchers and collaborators.”
Kutner’s contributions to the field have been immense over the course of his prolific career. The long-time Rollins faculty member has published more than 170 peer-reviewed articles and has co-authored two widely used textbooks on the subject of applied linear regression models and applied linear statistical models. Among his many leadership roles at Rollins have included director of the Biostatistics Consulting Center; inaugural associate dean of academic affairs; and interim chair, director, and chair of the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics.
After nearly 60 years dedicated to his work, Kutner notes it’s the dynamic nature of biostatistics and his enjoyment teaching and developing the next generation of statistical researchers and collaborators that keeps him motivated.
“Biostatistics is uniquely suited to the betterment of society because it impacts the accurate use of statistical methods and concepts in areas ranging from business to medicine around the globe,” says Kutner. “The application of statistical methods within biomedical research, particularly in the design, conduct, and analysis of data from complex single-center and multi-center clinical trials, impacts the quality of life of current and future patients through the critical evaluation of proposed and established medical procedures.”
Kutner’s impact on the world also extends to his philanthropic efforts at Rollins, where his generosity have funded a student scholarship, alumni award, and endowed professorship—the Michael H. Kutner Fund for Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, the Michael H. Kutner Professorship, and the Michael H. Kutner Award for Distinguished Service to the Discipline.
As Emory’s representative to the Southern Regional Council on Statistics, Kutner has been presented with a lifetime achievement award, the Paul Minton Award, and the Junior Faculty Poster Session has been named in his honor.
