The U.S. National Science Foundation has announced 11 new artificial-intelligence research institutes, including one led by the University of Washington. Daniela Witten, professor of biostatistics and statistics, is part of the UW-led AI Institute for Dynamic Systems that will focus on fundamental AI and machine learning theory, algorithms and applications for real-time learning and control of complex dynamic systems, which describe chaotic situations where conditions are constantly shifting and hard to predict.

Fred Hutch researcher and UW Biostatistics alum Elizabeth Krantz (MS, '00) co-led a project that examined how much protection cancer patients have against measles and mumps. "Our findings really emphasize the need to increase immunity at the community level, particularly among health care workers or caregivers who have frequent contact with cancer patients."

Ken Rice is the new graduate program director, and Jim Hughes is program director for the MS Capstone Program.

Patrick Heagerty, professor of biostatistics and former department chair, is among 38 new members elected to the Washington State Academy of Sciences for 2021.

The University of Washington Genetics Analysis Center (GAC) will serve as the Data Coordination Center (DCC) for a new Mendelian Genomics Research Consortium, aimed at increasing the number of known single-gene disorders. Cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Huntington's disease are all examples of single-gene disorders.