Research in statistics at Lancaster focuses on the interface of methodology and application. We believe that strong interaction with research users is imperative for developing new statistical ideas that are of practical importance.

This philosophy has led to research that has a substantive influence on the discipline of statistics, for example over 10 RSS read papers in the past two decades, as well as a considerable impact on other scientific disciplines, government bodies and industry. The 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject place Lancaster's Statistics and Operational Research at 51-100 in the world, having held a position in the top 100 since the rankings began in 2011.

Our research is divided into five main research areas, each with its own range of activities. Details of these areas and a flavour of some more specific research topics are given below. We also have active links with the operational research group based in the Management Science Department - including co-running of the STOR-i Centre for Doctoral Training - and the CHICAS group from the Medical School.