German Region of the International Biometric Society

The German Region of the International Biometric Society (IBS-DR) is composed of all members of the International Biometric Society located in Germany. Upon written request, scientists from other countries may be granted a membership in consultation with the general council of the society (Council).

The society or the German region, respectively, has the purpose to promote biometrics in research, teaching and practice. This purpose is being pursued by means of, in particular, organizing and holding scientific colloquia and congresses, by supporting scientific working groups and by publishing scientific publications.

The terms “Biometrics” and “Biometry” have been used since early in the 20th century to refer to the field of development of statistical and mathematical methods applicable to data analysis problems in the biological sciences.

Statistical methods for the analysis of data from agricultural field experiments to compare the yields of different varieties of wheat, for the analysis of data from human clinical trials evaluating the relative effectiveness of competing therapies for disease, or for the analysis of data from environmental studies on the effects of air or water pollution on the appearance of human disease in a region or country are all examples of problems that would fall under the umbrella of “Biometrics” as the term has been historically used.

The term “Biometrics” has also been used to refer to the field of technology devoted to the identification of individuals using biological traits, such as those based on retinal or iris scanning, fingerprints, or face recognition. The International Biometric Society is not engaged in research, marketing, or reporting related to this technology. For further information, see the website of the International Biometric Society.