Association of Public Data Users – Melissa C. Chiu, Director, Committee on National Statistics, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: “Trustworthy, reliable, and widely available statistics are essential for making informed decisions in the public and private sectors, including policy makers, government agencies, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. The federal statistical system plays a crucial role in producing trustworthy data for the common good, providing statistics that are accurate, relevant, and timely. In addition, research relies on credible authoritative sources of information. The federal statistical system provides a vast array of reliable data that enhances the accuracy and depth of research on many issues such as employment, economic growth, cost of living, crime victimization, physical and mental health, educational attainment, energy use, and the environment. And in an age of misinformation and the proliferation of social media, the need for unbiased and accurate information has never been greater. Principles and Practices for a Federal Statistical Agency by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT) highlights the important public good provided by strong federal statistical agencies and provides a core set of principles and practices for producing trustworthy statistics. These principles and practices benefit federal agencies and the research enterprise by providing a clear, consistent, and ethical foundation for this work and are designed to ensure that the federal statistical system maintains objectivity and independence. They also ensure that data produced by federal agencies undergo rigorous quality checks, use appropriate measures to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of individuals and organizations, and are free from bias and political influence.”