Statistics in public policy and government

Imperial Statisticians have a strong interest in the use and development of novel data science methods in the areas of public policy and government. We apply a range of techniques, such as machine learning, time series, classification, regression and spatial statistics to a variety of problems experienced by various branches of government, both in the UK and internationally. We are particularly interested in technology transfer of statistical ideas from one government domain to another. For example, using methods for censored data, which arise in medical statistics, on data that are collected in the tax or security area. We have strong partnerships with a number of government agencies such as the Office for National Statistics and its Data Science Campus, the Office for Statistics Regulation, the Home Office, the intelligence services, the Department for Education, the Department for Health, BEIS, HMRC and international organisations such as Eurostat and the US Census Bureau.

Researchers are also working actively on public policy issues such as inflation, the response to COVID-19, statistical issues on the Teaching Excellence Framework and are actively engaging in organisations such as the Administrative Data Research Network.