A CANSSI Outreach Program
Florence Nightingale Day
Organize opportunities for high school students to explore statistical sciences
This program is part of an international initiative to organize events that introduce high school students, especially girls and those from traditionally underrepresented groups, to educational and career opportunities in statistical sciences. CANSSI provides support to host departments and universities.
- Support Amount: Variable
- Region: National
- Deadlines: Applications for support are accepted throughout the year; hosted events can take place at any time of the year
- Eligibility: CANSSI institutional members
Have questions about the program?
Overview
Florence Nightingale Day is an international celebration named for the founder of modern nursing, who was also a pioneer in data visualization. The organizers of the initiative envisioned a day of activities that would introduce girls and members of traditionally underrepresented groups to educational and career opportunities in statistical sciences.
In Canada, CANSSI is a major co-sponsor and co-organizer of Florence Nightingale Day celebrations. CANSSI provides funding and logistical support to CANSSI member universities that wish to host events at their campuses.
What’s Involved
Florence Nightingale Day events typically include panel discussions, hands-on activities, and networking opportunities that allow high school students to interact with students and professionals studying and working in statistical sciences.
Universities and academic departments that are interested in hosting can invite high school students either individually or as class groups led by teachers. Activities are held at the host university’s campus.
Applications for support may be submitted throughout the year, and events may be organized at any time (there is no set date for the celebration).
How to Apply
To express interest in hosting a Florence Nightingale Day celebration, contact CANSSI Scientific Program Coordinator Louisa Benhamida at louisa_benhamida@sfu.ca.
Budget
There is no fixed funding level for this program. CANSSI generally covers expenses such as catering, student transportation, prizes, and honoraria for volunteers. Funding requests must be submitted for approval prior to the event.
In addition to financial support, CANSSI provides logistical and organizational support for activities such as event promotion and online registration.
Timeline
Florence Nightingale Day celebrations may be held at any time of the year.
Expressions of interest and applications for support may be submitted at any time of the year.
About Florence Nightingale Day
Florence Nightingale was a pioneer in data visualization and the founder of modern nursing. She used data in a novel and effective way to provide better care for wounded soldiers in the Crimean War and for public health improvements more broadly. Her pioneering work included the creation of the pie chart, which is universally used in data visualization to this day.
To honour Nightingale’s legacy, Florence Nightingale Day was launched in 2018 to engage students, promote future career opportunities in statistics and data science, and celebrate the contributions of women to these fields. Our vision is to inspire a diverse group of young people to become future leaders in data-related disciplines.
Pre-college students (ages 13 and above) from around the world are encouraged to attend this one-day free event. Components of the day include trivia games, panels of professional and student speakers, hands-on activities, and networking.
Source: Florence Nightingale Day website
In Canada, CANSSI has sponsored Florence Nightingale celebrations at Simon Fraser University, the University of Toronto (co-sponsored by CANSSI Ontario), the University of New Brunswick (co-sponsored by CANSSI Atlantic), and the University of Montreal (as “Day of Discovery”). It’s part of our developing effort to encourage members from traditionally underrepresented groups to study statistical sciences. Our vision is to expand Florence Nightingale Day to become a national event involving high school students across Canada.
Read About Past Events
- High School Students Discovered the Exciting Possibilities of Statistics at CANSSI-sponsored Events in Three Provinces (April 8, 2024)
- A Chance for High School Students to Explore Statistics (November 7, 2023)
- Florence Nightingale Day 2023 Introduced Statistics to a New Generation (March 29, 2023)
- High School Students: Explore Statistics and Data Science at Florence Nightingale Day 2023 (August 27, 2022)