U-M biostatistician Roderick Little will join the U.S. Census Bureau as associate director for statistical methodology and standards.

Little will lead a new directorate that will focus on enhancing the research and innovation capacity of the Census Bureau, a top priority of Director Robert Groves in a time of unprecedented change in society’s need for statistical information, available tools for data collection and challenges in gaining cooperation of the American public to its surveys.

“Rod Little is one of the world’s best statisticians and survey methodologists,” says Groves, former head of the Survey Research Center at the Institute for Social Research. “I am thrilled that he is willing to devote his substantial energy and talent to advancing the role of science in the Census Bureau. Under his leadership I am confident that the Census Bureau will advance discoveries and innovation in statistical research for the benefit of the entire country.”

Little is the Richard D. Remington Collegiate Professor of Biostatistics at the School of Public Health, and he chaired the Department of Biostatistics from 1993-2001 and 2006-09. He also is professor of statistics and a research professor at ISR.

“Good government requires good data, and statistical agencies face challenging problems in data collection and analysis, for both censuses and surveys,” Little says. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to help Bob Groves to improve the Census Bureau’s research capabilities and broaden research ties between the bureau and the academic community, including the University of Michigan.”

He will assume his duties in September. A three-year assignment is anticipated, with Little continuing to devote some time to research and teaching at U-M.