RSSeNEWS to be determined...

The Society has welcomed the announcement of Bernard Silverman's appointment as Chief Scientific Adviser to the Home Office, which he will take up from 1 April 2010.

Andy Garrett, RSS vice president, said: "The Royal Statistical Society is delighted for Bernard on his appointment. It is a recognition of his immense knowledge and expertise in the field of statistics. We are also delighted that this means a leading statistician will be able to ensure that statistics is at the core of scientific opinion for this major government department, together with an important and broader role at the highest level of scientific advice within the network led by the Chief Scientific Adviser to government, Professor John Beddington"

Commenting on his appointment, Professor Silverman said:

"I am excited to be taking up this appointment and look forward to making my own contribution to the vital process of providing good scientific advice to government. Because of the Royal Statistical Society's crucial role as an independent voice in the official and public arena, it would be inappropriately confusing for me to serve as President at the same time, and so I have decided to stand down from the Presidency.   I am, of course, looking forward to continuing to serve the Society as a Council member and past-president."

Andy Garrett added: "Bernard's appointment is, of course, tinged with sadness in that he will be standing down as Society president. Bernard had just started his term as president and we were looking forward to an exciting two years under his leadership, with his enthusiasm for our whole range of activities and involvement."

Bernard became the Society's 105th president on 1 January 2010, having served a year as president-elect. His previous work for the Society includes a six-year stint as honorary secretary and chairing the Research Section in the 1990s. He is a Chartered Statistician.

RSS Council meets on Wednesday 27 January to review and consider the interim arrangements for the presidency. Look out for up to date information on this site.