Statistics, Cambridge and the ICM: Richard Samworth

Welcome to Voices of Mathematics, a podcast from the Mathematics Faculty at the University of Cambridge. From number theory and geometry to cosmology and quantum physics, join us to explore topics across pure and applied mathematics, mathematical statistics and theoretical physics. In this episode we talk to Richard Samworth, Professor of Statistical Science and Director of the Statistical Laboratory in the Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics (DPMMS).  Richard Samworth's outstanding contributions to statistics have been recognised with numerous honours and awards. In 2025, he won two prestigious prizes in the space of 24 hours – the David Cox Medal for Statistics and the Guy Medal in Silver. He has also been invited to speak at the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) in July 2026. Held every four years, the ICM features the world's leaders in the field and celebrates the diversity of today’s mathematics. Only mathematicians whose work is of the highest international standard are invited to speak at the week-long event, which usually draws thousands of participants working in all areas of maths. The ICM also sees the award of some of the most prestigious prizes in mathematics, including the famous Fields Medals. In this episode, we talk to Richard to find out more about the work he will be speaking about at the ICM, how his field of statistics balances being simultaneously very theoretical and very applied, and what he most values about being part of the mathematical community in DPMMS.   The podcast is hosted by Marianne Freiberger and Rachel Thomas, Editors of Plus, from the communications and outreach team at the Mathematics Faculty. To find out more about topics mentioned in this podcast see: Our 2025 article exploring Richard Samworth's work when he won both the David Cox Medal for Statistics and the Guy Medal in Silver. Find out more about the Cambridge speakers at the 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians in this article.   Discover more about the University of Cambridge Faculty of Mathematics at maths.cam.ac.uk.