David A. Stephens, professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at McGill University, has been elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) for his outstanding achievements in Bayesian statistics and causal inference.

In addition to designing efficient computational techniques and sophisticated analytical tools for static and dynamic data, Dave brought crucial statistical expertise to the resolution of major issues in biostatistical and health research. His work on causal inference has also led to insights in causal mechanisms of complex diseases and better treatment protocols.

Born in England, Dave studied mathematics and statistics at the University of Nottingham, where he completed his PhD in 1990. He was affiliated to Imperial College London for 16 years before joining McGill in 2006. He was chair of his department from 2015 to 2019, and is currently vice-dean of McGill’s Faculty of Science.

Dave has coauthored two books and over 130 research papers published for the most part in top statistics and subject-matter journals such as The Journal of Clinical Investigation or Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. He has a stellar record of graduate supervision, with nearly 30 MSc and 30 PhD students graduated to date, not to speak of a dozen postdoctoral students. In addition to his extensive service at McGill, he has organized numerous workshops, served as an associate editor or editor for several journals, and was editor in chief of The Canadian Journal of Statistics from 2013 to 2015.

Dave’s contributions to statistics and science have already been recognized in 2022, when he received the Gold Medal in research from the Statistical Society of Canada. Since 2019, he is also an elected fellow of the American Statistical Association.

This year, 104 new RSC fellows have been elected by their peers for their outstanding scholarly achievements. This recognition is the highest honour in the arts, social sciences, humanities, and sciences in Canada. The induction ceremony will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, as part of the Celebration of Excellence and Engagement in Vancouver.