Sir Bernard Silverman FRS

Bernard Silverman is a statistician whose research has ranged widely across theoretical and practical aspects of statistics. He has taken a particular interest in the ways that computing power has changed our ability to collect and analyse data, and has published widely in this field, covering aspects from the fundamental mathematical properties of new methods to computer packages for their implementation. He has collaborated in many fields in the physical, life and social sciences and with various areas of industry and government.


Following academic posts at Bath, Bristol and Oxford, he was Chief Scientific Adviser to the Home Office from 2010 to 2017. A former President of the Royal Statistical Society, he now works freelance, with roles including policy, consultancy, research and expert advice.  His current and recent portfolio encompasses geospatial and location data, official statistics, the fight against modern slavery and child sexual violence, research integrity, security, and science and technology for policy, business and government.

Professional position

  • Emeritus Professor of Statistics, University of Oxford

Subject groups

  • Mathematics

Sir Bernard Silverman FRS
Elected 1997
Committees Participated Role
Diversity and Inclusion Committee January 2017 - October 2020 Member
Council December 2008 - November 2010 Member
Royal Society Wolfson Fellowships Committee January 2007 - December 2009 Member
Sectional Committee 1: Mathematics November 1998 - November 2001 Chair