Sir David Spiegelhalter

Emeritus Professor of Statistics at University of Cambridge, Knighted Statistician, President of Royal Statistical Society & UK Statistics Authority Director

Sir David Spiegelhalter’s Biography:

Sir David Spiegelhalter is one of the most influential keynote speakers in the world of risk, uncertainty and evidence based decision making. Emeritus Professor of Statistics at the University of Cambridge, David is internationally recognised for his ability to explain complex data in clear, human terms. As a keynote and after dinner speaker, he brings authority, calm and credibility to conversations that matter, from healthcare and public policy to leadership and business strategy. His most notable career milestone is being knighted for services to medical statistics, reflecting decades of impact across academia, government and public understanding.

David’s journey began with a strong mathematical foundation and a natural curiosity about probability and chance. He was educated at Barnstaple Grammar School before studying mathematics at Keble College, Oxford, graduating in 1974. He then completed an MSc and PhD in statistics at University College London, specialising in Bayesian methods, an area that would define much of his later work. Early academic roles at Brunel University and the University of California, Berkeley shaped his global outlook, before he joined the Medical Research Council Biostatistics Unit in Cambridge, where his work became closely tied to real world medical and ethical decision making.

Over the course of his career, David has held some of the most prestigious roles in statistics and risk communication. He served as Winton Professor of the Public Understanding of Risk at the University of Cambridge, a position that placed him at the forefront of translating evidence for non-specialist audiences. He later became President of the Royal Statistical Society, helping steer the profession through a period of growing public scrutiny around data. His contribution spans over 200 peer reviewed publications, bestselling books including ‘The Art of Statistics’, ‘Covid by Numbers’ and ‘The Art of Uncertainty’, and advisory roles on major public inquiries. His work has directly influenced how risk is communicated in healthcare, justice and public life.

Why Hire Sir David Spiegelhalter?

David is in high demand as a keynote speaker because he helps audiences think better, not just faster. His talks cover risk, uncertainty, trust in numbers, data literacy and decision making under pressure, topics that are critical for leaders facing complexity and scrutiny. He combines storytelling with rigorous thinking, making numbers meaningful without oversimplifying them. Whether addressing boardrooms, conferences or public audiences, David leaves people more confident in how they interpret evidence and weigh risk. For organisations that want clarity, credibility and thoughtful challenge, he is an exceptional choice.

Sir David Spiegelhalter’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Sir David Spiegelhalter’s career in statistics and decision-making:

• 2025 – Delivered keynote address at the Conference on Everything 2025, Churchill College, University of Cambridge
• 2025 – Presented Thinking Slowly About Uncertainty at the Royal Institution, London
• 2025 – Featured expert interview on Euronews Business
• 2025 – Led public launch and lecture series for The Art of Uncertainty at the London School of Economics
• 2024 – Publication of ‘The Art of Uncertainty: Living with Chance, Ignorance, Risk and Luck’
• 2023 – Awarded Honorary Doctorate of Laws, University of Dundee
• 2020 – Received Michael Faraday Prize for excellence in science communication
• 2017 – Became President of the Royal Statistical Society
• 2014 – Knighted for services to medical statistics
• 2005 – Elected Fellow of the Royal Society