"He has made mentoring next generation of mathematicians a key feature of his academic life."

Professor Richard Samworth has been awarded The Committee of Presidents of Statistical Societies Presidents’ Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to statistics.

The Committee of Presidents of Statistical Societies (COPSS) sponsors and presents the annual COPSS Presidents' Award to someone under the age of 41. It is awarded by the five sponsoring statistical societies which include the American Statistical Association and the Statistical Society of Canada. Established in 1976, it consists of a plaque and cash prize.

Professor Samworth is the Director of the Statistical Laboratory, University of Cambridge, as well as being a Fellow at St John’s College.  He was praised not only for his own impressive contribution to the field of statistics but also for his commitment to mentoring students.

The citation said: “Professor Samworth was recognised for fundamental contributions to nonparametric inference under shape constraints, nonparametric classification, high-dimensional variable selection and change point estimation; for many substantial contributions to the profession including editorial service, extensive service to statistical societies; and for the training and mentoring of junior researchers.”

Sir Christopher Dobson, Master of St John’s College, said: “Richard has not only made ground-breaking contributions in his own area of research, but he has made mentoring the next generation of mathematicians a key feature of his academic life.

"On behalf of everyone at St John’s I congratulate him most warmly on adding the 2018 COPSS Presidents' Award to his list of major prizes. His success could not be more thoroughly deserved and the College and indeed the whole University is tremendously proud of him.”

Professor Samworth praised the community of scholars he works with in Cambridge and said: “I was tremendously surprised and deeply honoured to be selected as this year's COPSS Presidents' Award recipient.  

“I have benefited enormously from working with some wonderful collaborators, including a fantastic group of PhD students and post-docs, which has made my life as a researcher very enjoyable and rewarding.”