Cambridge University Reporter


REPORT

Report of the General Board on the establishment of a Professorship of Statistics

The GENERAL BOARD beg leave to report to the University as follows:

1. Uncertainty is a significant factor in most aspects of human endeavour. Logical approaches to uncertainty have flourished, especially during the last hundred years. As a result, the ensuing statistical theory has become recognized as a principal component of scientific analysis. Practical applications of statistics are abundant. For example, statistical analysis has been pivotal in major recent advances in such fields as medicine and the biosciences, in engineering, in economics, and in the social sciences. The sound use of statistical methodology requires an understanding of core mathematical concepts together with a familiarity with the area of application. This conjunction is achieved through teamwork involving theoretical statisticians and applied scientists.

2. The core of theoretical statistics in Cambridge lies within the Statistical Laboratory, a sub-Department of the Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics. Members of the Laboratory are active in the mathematical theory of Statistics, Probability, and Operational Research. There are three established Professorships in the Laboratory, the holders of which are authorities in Probability, Operational Research, and Mathematical Finance. In addition to its reputation for research, the Laboratory is known for its training of young researchers through the Mathematical Tripos, the course in Statistical Science for the M.Phil. Degree, its Ph.D. programme, and its postdoctoral fellowships and fixed-term lectureships.

3. In the 'International Review of Mathematics', which was commissioned by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and published in 2004, it was reported that 'the UK [is] a world leader in many areas of statistics, particularly in developing theory, methodology, and modelling based on challenging problems in the sciences, as well as in business and industry'. The Review went on to note, however, that there was a current crisis in UK statistics arising from a failure to produce sufficient young research leaders to guarantee the future of the discipline in both universities and industry. The School of the Physical Sciences has recognized the case for an expansion of activity in methodological statistics within the University.

4. The Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics have now put forward the case for the establishment for one tenure of a Professorship of Statistics. This has been endorsed by both the Faculty Board of Mathematics and the Council of the School of the Physical Sciences. The person appointed will be expected to offer leadership for an expanded team of statisticians, and to participate in the teaching and research in statistics that is undertaken in the Statistical Laboratory. The Professor will also be required to devote a significant proportion of time to the development of an overall framework for statistics in Cambridge. This will be of considerable potential benefit to the applied work found in a number of institutions across the University.

5. In order to meet the costs of the Professorship, the Faculty Board of Mathematics have proposed that a currently vacant University Lectureship in the Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics be held in abeyance. The School of the Physical Sciences have agreed to meet the shortfall in costs. The General Board have accepted the Faculty Board's proposal for the establishment of the Professorship on this basis. They have accordingly agreed that, if the recommendations of this Report are approved, they will hold the aforementioned University Lectureship in abeyance for the period of tenure of the Professorship.

6. The Board are satisfied that an appointment at this level will be likely to attract a strong field of applicants. They are assured that suitable accommodation is available at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences for the Professor and the Department have undertaken to provide the necessary support and facilities. The Board have agreed to concur in the view of the Faculty Board of Mathematics that election to the Professorship should be made by an ad hoc Board of Electors and that candidature should be open to all persons whose work falls within the title of the Professorship.

7. The General Board recommend:

That a Professorship of Statistics be established for one tenure in the University from 1 September 2006, placed in Schedule B of the Statutes, and assigned to the Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics.

8 February 2006 ALISON RICHARD, Vice-ChancellorM. J. DAUNTONMELVEENA MCKENDRICK
 JOHN BELLRICHARD FRIENDROGER PARKER
 TOM BLUNDELLRICHARD HUNTERPATRICK SISSONS
 WILLIAM BROWNRUTH KEELINGI. H. WHITE
 H. A. CHASED. W. B. MACDONALD