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David Cox Research Prize

The David Cox Research Prize is awarded annually by the Royal Statistical Society to recognise an outstanding published contribution to statistical theory or application by a fellow of the Society who is still near the beginning of their research career.  

The prize is intended to highlight exceptional early-career work and to encourage researchers whose ideas are already shaping the discipline. The award carries a £2,000 prize from the Society. 

The David Cox Research prize was previously known as the ‘Research Prize’ but was renames in honour of Professor Sir David Cox, former RSS President from 1980 to 1982 and one of the most influential statisticians of the modern era. The renaming reflects David Cox’s lasting impact on the field as well as his association with research of the highest quality. The prize therefore not only recognises emerging excellence, but also connects new generations of researchers with one of statistics’ most distinguished legacies. 

The David Cox Research Prize is awarded annually.   

Nominations for 2027 are open between June to 31 October 2026

  • Find out about the criteria for the award and how to make a nomination.

    The David Cox Research Prize recognises outstanding promise at the beginning of their research career in statistics. The prize is awarded to an individual who has made a notable contribution to the field of statistics through their published work. 

    Eligibility criteria for nomination for the David Cox Research Prize: 

    • Fellow of the Society for at least one year on 1 January in the year the prize is to be awarded 
    • ​within 12 years of the award of the first degree on 1 January of the year the prize is to be awarded. If the first degree is at master's level, the limit is 10 years. 

    Nominations should demonstrate that the nominee’s work is: 

    • High-quality, innovative and makes an important contribution to the field of statistics appropriate for the nominee’s early career stage. 

    Nomination form can be found here. 

    Please send nominations to honours@rss.org.uk by 31 October 2026 



  • Find out about recent recipients


    2025: Kartik Waghmare 
    2024: Daniel García Rasines 
    2023: Oliver Stoner 
    2022: Dominik Rothenhäusler 
    2021: Chengchun Shi 
    2020: Thomas B Berrett 
    2019: Tengyao Wang