Dr. Miodrag M. Lovric

Associate Professor of Statistics, Radford University

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Radford University
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Welcome to my Homepage

I am an Associate Professor of Statistics at Radford University in Virginia, USA. My research interests and expertise span the foundations and frontiers of statistical science, with a particular focus on the philosophy of statistical inference, Bayesian–frequentist controversies, hypothesis testing paradoxes, and the evolving landscape of data science and machine learning. My work bridges classical and modern perspectives—ranging from maximum likelihood and credible intervals to deep learning, semiparametric modeling, and statistical ethics—while also engaging with broader themes such as statistics education, the replication crisis, computational tools, and the historical and societal impact of statistical thinking.

International Encyclopedia of Statistical Science (Second Edition)

International Encyclopedia of Statistical Science Second Edition

The Second Edition of this landmark publication has now been officially released by Springer. It encompasses the work of 700 eminent authors from 110 countries—an expansion of the already historic first edition, which featured contributions from 617 authors representing 105 countries. The first edition was highlighted in the official journal of the American Statistical Association, AMSTAT News (June 2011), as the largest international scientific project ever implemented in history ("Peace through Statistics", p.14).

The second edition spans 3,150 pages across four volumes and introduces 80 new contributors and 5 additional countries, further solidifying its role as a global reference in the statistical sciences. It includes newly commissioned entries, expanded methodological coverage, and greater diversity in both topics and contributors. Notably, three undergraduate students from Radford University's Artis College of Science and Technology co-authored a chapter in this edition—an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects our strong emphasis on undergraduate research and global engagement in scholarship.

For more information on this extraordinary project, please visit: https://link.springer.com/book/9783662693582

Support from All Over the World for the Nobel Peace Prize Nomination

Global Participation in the International Encyclopedia of Statistical Science (2nd Ed.)

The interactive map below highlights the countries represented by the 700 contributors (110 countries) in the Second Edition.

Hover for country names • Drag to pan • Scroll to zoom • Projection toggle available.

Education

I hold a Ph.D. in Statistical Sciences, M.Sc. in Statistics, and a B.Econ. in Statistics and Cybernetics from the University of Belgrade, Serbia. My qualifications are recognized internationally, including by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and the University of São Paulo in Brazil.

Research Interests

- Philosophy of statistical inference
- Bayesian vs. frequentist controversies
- Paradoxes in statistical testing (e.g., Jeffreys-Lindley Paradox)
- History and future of statistics education
- Statistical software and computational methods
- Data Science, Big Data, and simulation
- Nonparametric and robust statistical methods

Professional Overview

2022.8 - Present: Associate Professor, Radford University, VA, USA
2018 - 2022.4: Assistant Professor, Radford University, VA, USA
2009.1 - 2013.6 & 2014.7 - 2017.7: Professor in Statistics, University of Kragujevac, Serbia
2013.7 - 2014.6: Visiting Professor in Statistics, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
2002.1 - 2008.12: Professor in Statistics, University of Belgrade, Serbia
1998.5 - 2001.12: Lecturer Level B, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
1996.5 - 1998.4: Senior Lecturer, Wellington Polytechnic (now part of Massey University), Wellington, New Zealand
1995.3 - 1996.4: Lecturer, Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, Lower Hutt, New Zealand

Teaching

I have taught a wide range of statistical courses in several countries, focusing on both the theoretical foundations of statistics and practical applications using modern software tools. Over the years, I have developed and taught courses that cater to various disciplines and levels of expertise, including:

  • Bayesian Statistics (developed in Fall 2024)
  • Statistics for Nursing (developed in Fall 2024)
  • Statistics and Probability 1 (STAT 301)
  • Statistics and Probability 2 (STAT 302)
  • Applied Statistics (MATH 644, postgraduate course for math teachers in Virginia)
  • Understanding Statistics in Society (STAT 130)
  • Introduction to Statistics (STAT 200)

Memorable Collaboration with Professor C.R. Rao

Dr. Lovric with Prof. C.R. Rao I was honored to meet and collaborate with Professor C.R. Rao, one of the most eminent statisticians of the past 60 years. Professor Rao, a pioneer whose groundbreaking contributions have shaped the course of modern statistical theory, invited me to Hyderabad, India, to present a speech titled "The Future of Statistics" on the first World Statistics Day (October 20, 2011). He entrusted me to chair the conference, which was part of a global celebration marked in over 130 countries.

In addition to this memorable event, I had the privilege of co-authoring a joint research paper with Professor Rao: "Testing Point Null Hypothesis of a Normal Mean and the Truth: 21st Century Perspective." This work was published as the lead article in the November 2016 issue of the Journal of Modern Statistical Methods (Vol. 16, No. 2). It exemplifies the synergy of our combined efforts and the intellectual rigor that Professor Rao brought to every collaboration.

Professor Rao’s passing in August 2023 marked the end of an era, but his intellectual legacy endures. His visionary leadership and vast contributions continue to guide and inspire statisticians worldwide. I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from him, to contribute to global dialogues on the future of our discipline, and to produce scholarly work together that will influence current and future generations of statisticians.

Forthcoming Publications in the Second Edition of the International Encyclopedia of Statistical Science (2025)

The following articles will appear (among 782 others) in the second edition of the International Encyclopedia of Statistical Science, Springer, Heidelberg, scheduled for publication in June 2025. This new edition reflects contemporary topics, theoretical advancements, and practical approaches in statistical science.

Selected Publications & Projects

- International Encyclopedia of Statistical Science, Editor-in-Chief (Springer, first edition 2010, second edition forthcoming)
- Books and chapters on nonparametric inference, data analysis, and statistical methods
- Selected peer-reviewed articles:

- Various collaborative projects and consulting engagements in statistical system design and data analysis solutions

Invited Seminars and Some Other Recent International Presentations

I have delivered a series of research seminars and invited talks at universities and conferences across New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. These presentations have focused on statistical controversies, paradoxes, and the evolving nature of hypothesis testing and inference in the 21st century.

  • UNC Greensboro, USA: "Rethinking Statistical Inference: Moving from Point—Null Hypotheses to Interval—Based Approaches in the Wake of the Rao—Lovric Theorem" (12 October 2024)
  • Radford University, USA: “Demise of Traditional Significance Tests?” (10 April 2019)
  • Illinois Institute of Technology, USA: “Fueling Innovations: Controversies of Statistical Testing in Science” (21 February 2017)
  • University of Canterbury, New Zealand: “On the Reconciliation Between Frequentist and Bayesian Approaches to Statistical Testing” (11 August 2016)
  • Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand: “On the Resolution of Controversies and Paradoxes in Statistical Testing” (28 June 2016)
  • Waikato University, New Zealand: “On the Deficiencies of Statistical Testing in Science” (15 April 2016)
  • University of New South Wales, Australia: "On the Final Resolution of the Famous Jeffreys-Lindley Paradox and a New Paradigm in Statistical Testing" (8 April 2016)
  • University of Auckland, New Zealand: “Is There a Statistical Crisis in Science?” (23 March 2016)
  • Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand: “On the Future of Statistics in the 21st Century” (March 2016)
  • Paradoxes and Controversies in Hypothesis Testing, Conference in Natal, Brazil, Semana da Estatística - UFRN 2013 (Video Recording)

Memories and Colleagues from Around the World

Over the course of my academic journey, I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from many outstanding colleagues in various countries. Although I currently serve as an Associate Professor of Statistics at Radford University, these images remind me of the diverse academic communities that have shaped my career.

Radford University Department of Mathematics and Statistics (August 2018)

This image showcases the faculty members at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Radford University as of August 2018, when I joined the institution.

Faculty of Economics, University of Belgrade, Serbia

These photos capture some of my dear colleagues from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Belgrade, Serbia, where I studied and worked from 1980 to 1994, and again from 2001 to 2009 after returning from Australia. This period laid the foundations of my career in statistical science and academic leadership.

Contact and Further Information

Email Me | My Google Scholar Profile

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