Professor Edward Rochead, CMath CSci FIMA, has been appointed as the new chair of the Alliance for Data Science Professionals (AfDSP). The Alliance, of which the RSS is a founding member, was set up in 2022 to create industry-wide professional standards for data science. A fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) and a Chartered Mathematician, Ed brings extensive experience in Government Science and Technology Research. Currently serving as the Commissioner for AI, Autonomy and Cyber, Defence Science and Technology at the Ministry of Defence, he also holds positions as Visiting Professor of Innovation Strategy at Loughborough University and trustee of the University of Winchester.
Ed will lead the Alliance at an exciting time, marked by an evolving governance framework and upcoming significant developments in 2024. These include introducing new Alliance partners and unveiling an accreditation scheme for data science degrees, complementing the existing professional competency frameworks for
Data Science Professionals.
Commenting on his new role, Ed said: “Data Science is a modern example of how society can genuinely move forward by taking elements of several disciplines […]. The impact of Data Science on society is only going to grow, and it is also true that we need to find ways of supporting and enabling the community of Data Science Professionals […]. I am delighted to have the chance to chair the AfDSP at this exciting time and look forward to working with the representatives of the partner bodies in this endeavour.”
Welcoming the appointment, outgoing Alliance Chair and VP for Professional Affairs at the RSS Prof Rachel Hilliam commented, “The Alliance is a truly interdisciplinary endeavour, with the creation of standards by the community for the community, and I know that Ed will lead the AfDSP to further achievements in his role.”
For more information about the Alliance, please visit:
https://alliancefordatascienceprofessionals.com