Research
With 100% of our research being rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF2021), Lancaster is one of the UK's top departments for research in mathematics and statistics.
Pure Mathematics
We have strong research groups across a wide spectrum of pure mathematics, including algebra, analysis, combinatorics, geometry, geometric rigidity theory, mathematical physics and probability.
Statistics
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.
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Bayesian and Computational Statistics
Most real-life applications of statistics require the use of computational methods. These algorithms are important in many areas of statistics, particularly when we need to average over uncertainty within our statistical models.
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Changepoints and Time Series
Time series, i.e. data measured over time, arise in many natural and industrial applications. Being able to analyse the changing structure of such data is key to understanding the dynamics of many important physical processes.
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Extreme Value Statistics
Since extreme events are rare by definition, prediction of future events relies on extrapolation from a suitable model fitted to historical data. Extreme value analysis provides a statistical framework for this kind of analysis.
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Medical and Social Statistics
The Medical and Social Statistics group specialises in methodology for clinical trials, statistical epidemiology, quantitative criminology and social research.
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Statistical Learning
Statistical learning designs and analyses algorithms that learn from data. Usually our focus is on sequential learning, or large scale data, such as that found in analysis of the internet.
What we do
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Research Centres and Networks
We have two Research Centres and participate in a number of formal research networks. We also have strategic links, locally, nationally and internationally.
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Statistical Collaborations
Researchers are keen to collaborate on interesting problems. Our statistical research already has strong links with computing, management science, medical research, environmental science and criminology.
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Conferences
Lancaster plays host to many leading conferences in Mathematics and Statistics research.
Research Impact
Lancaster has a strong tradition of collaborative research with end-users and a track record of research that has led to impact.
Examples of impact from our research include:
- Use of extreme value research to guide design of coastal flood defences throughout the UK
- Crucial input into the High Court's investigation into the sinking of the M.V. Derbyshire, and the consequent introduction of new design standards for bulk carriers
- Statistical genetics research that highlighted poultry as the primary source of Campylobacteriosis infections in humans in New Zealand, resulting in a new code of practice for the poultry industry and a halving of human cases
- Use of robust adaptive designs across a number of clinical trials leading to more cost-efficient trials, and early-stopping of trials of drugs that are clearly not effective