The aims of the Annals of Statistics

The Annals of Statistics aim to publish research papers of highest quality reflecting the many facets of contemporary statistics. Primary emphasis is placed on importance and originality, not on formalism. The journal aims to cover three main areas of statistics, mathematical statistics, applied/interdisciplinary statistics, and computational statistics. Of course many of the best papers will touch on more than one of these general areas, because the discipline of statistics has deep roots in mathematics, and in substantive scientific fields.

Mathematical Statistics

Mathematics provides the language in which models and the properties of statistical methods are formulated. It is essential for rigor, coherence, clarity and understanding. Consequently, our policy is to continue to play a special role in presenting research at the forefront of mathematical statistics, especially theoretical advances that are likely to have a significant impact on statistical methodology or understanding.

Applied and Interdisciplinary Statistics

Substantive fields are essential for continued vitality of statistics since they provide the motivation and direction for most of the future developments in statistics. We thus intend to publish papers relating to the role of statistics in interdisciplinary investigations in all fields of natural, medical, technical and social science.

Computational Statistics

A third force that continues to reshape statistics is the computational revolution, and the Annals will welcome developments in this area. Both in applied and in computational statistics, submissions will be evaluated primarily by the relevance of the issues addressed and the creativity of the proposed solutions.