David Firth
@firthstat.bsky.social
Research in #statistics, University of Warwick. https://warwick.ac.uk/dfirth
Also @firthstat@fediscience.org (Mastodon)
Current main interest is compositional data analysis. Programming in #rstats
Also @firthstat@fediscience.org (Mastodon)
Current main interest is compositional data analysis. Programming in #rstats
Reposted by David Firth
We are recruiting an Associate Professor of Statistics in the Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, in association with Jesus College.
Closing date: 19 January 2026
➡️ Details and application information: tinyurl.com/59tjt7m2
Closing date: 19 January 2026
➡️ Details and application information: tinyurl.com/59tjt7m2
December 23, 2025 at 11:20 AM
We are recruiting an Associate Professor of Statistics in the Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, in association with Jesus College.
Closing date: 19 January 2026
➡️ Details and application information: tinyurl.com/59tjt7m2
Closing date: 19 January 2026
➡️ Details and application information: tinyurl.com/59tjt7m2
Reposted by David Firth
It’s exactly this kind of dismal, prejudiced bollox from the Daily Mail that’s got us into the ruinous Brexit mess we’re in. What a moronic response to us rejoining Erasmus and all the benefits that brings. If they’re really worried about cost, they should push to cancel Brexit altogether.
December 18, 2025 at 7:21 AM
It’s exactly this kind of dismal, prejudiced bollox from the Daily Mail that’s got us into the ruinous Brexit mess we’re in. What a moronic response to us rejoining Erasmus and all the benefits that brings. If they’re really worried about cost, they should push to cancel Brexit altogether.
Reposted by David Firth
This is a thread of quotes and curiosities from Appendix 1 of The British General Election of 2024 book by John Curtice, @lottehargrave.bsky.social @patrick-pme.bsky.social and myself, available as a free pdf under "Back Matter" at link.springer.com/book/10.1007...
link.springer.com
December 10, 2025 at 12:01 PM
This is a thread of quotes and curiosities from Appendix 1 of The British General Election of 2024 book by John Curtice, @lottehargrave.bsky.social @patrick-pme.bsky.social and myself, available as a free pdf under "Back Matter" at link.springer.com/book/10.1007...
Reposted by David Firth
The R Foundation is happy to be a partner on the project
"Enabling the next generation of R contributors"
awarded £500k under the Research Software Maintenance Fund (Software Sustainability Institute, UK).
Announcement: www.software.ac.uk/ssi-awards-f...
Congratulations to the project team!
"Enabling the next generation of R contributors"
awarded £500k under the Research Software Maintenance Fund (Software Sustainability Institute, UK).
Announcement: www.software.ac.uk/ssi-awards-f...
Congratulations to the project team!
SSI awards funding to 13 projects through the RSMF Round 1 | Software Sustainability Institute
We are pleased to announce that the Research Software Maintenance Fund (RSMF) has funded 13 projects to advance the sustainability and impact of research software. Through this initiative, the SSI, wi...
www.software.ac.uk
December 10, 2025 at 8:01 PM
The R Foundation is happy to be a partner on the project
"Enabling the next generation of R contributors"
awarded £500k under the Research Software Maintenance Fund (Software Sustainability Institute, UK).
Announcement: www.software.ac.uk/ssi-awards-f...
Congratulations to the project team!
"Enabling the next generation of R contributors"
awarded £500k under the Research Software Maintenance Fund (Software Sustainability Institute, UK).
Announcement: www.software.ac.uk/ssi-awards-f...
Congratulations to the project team!
Reposted by David Firth
@pimlicat: "The PM is saying what Brits have known for years, that Brexit was sold to them on false promises.
Young people have been at the sharp end of a Brexit they didn't vote for, which has taken away freedoms that other generations took for granted."
https://bit.ly/48MjK3J
Young people have been at the sharp end of a Brexit they didn't vote for, which has taken away freedoms that other generations took for granted."
https://bit.ly/48MjK3J
Keir Starmer hits out at the "wild promises" made about Brexit
Labour continues to seek closer ties with the EU and is aiming to make a deal to rejoin the Erasmus scheme within weeks
leftfootforward.org
December 2, 2025 at 5:16 PM
@pimlicat: "The PM is saying what Brits have known for years, that Brexit was sold to them on false promises.
Young people have been at the sharp end of a Brexit they didn't vote for, which has taken away freedoms that other generations took for granted."
https://bit.ly/48MjK3J
Young people have been at the sharp end of a Brexit they didn't vote for, which has taken away freedoms that other generations took for granted."
https://bit.ly/48MjK3J
Reposted by David Firth
December 2, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Reposted by David Firth
This cross-pollination IS how new ideas happen. EVERY field needs humanistic thinking, that's why they call PhDs "Doctors of Philosophy"
Alt text for those who need it. This is amazing.
December 2, 2025 at 11:38 AM
This cross-pollination IS how new ideas happen. EVERY field needs humanistic thinking, that's why they call PhDs "Doctors of Philosophy"
Reposted by David Firth
Populist Right: 'We're not racist, we just want immigrants to integrate & contribute.'
Immigrant gains BA, MA, works for charities, marries a 'Brit', becomes Brexit-supporting, lockdown-sceptic Tory MP, then Deputy Speaker of HoC.
Populist Right: 'People born abroad shouldn't be allowed to do this.'
Immigrant gains BA, MA, works for charities, marries a 'Brit', becomes Brexit-supporting, lockdown-sceptic Tory MP, then Deputy Speaker of HoC.
Populist Right: 'People born abroad shouldn't be allowed to do this.'
November 28, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Populist Right: 'We're not racist, we just want immigrants to integrate & contribute.'
Immigrant gains BA, MA, works for charities, marries a 'Brit', becomes Brexit-supporting, lockdown-sceptic Tory MP, then Deputy Speaker of HoC.
Populist Right: 'People born abroad shouldn't be allowed to do this.'
Immigrant gains BA, MA, works for charities, marries a 'Brit', becomes Brexit-supporting, lockdown-sceptic Tory MP, then Deputy Speaker of HoC.
Populist Right: 'People born abroad shouldn't be allowed to do this.'
Reposted by David Firth
Reposted by David Firth
#rstats
It is with profound sadness I heard that my long-time friend and colleague, John Fox passed away this week.
He was the author of {car}, {effects}, {Rcmdr}, ... and numerous influential books. I will miss him greatly.
www.john-fox.ca
It is with profound sadness I heard that my long-time friend and colleague, John Fox passed away this week.
He was the author of {car}, {effects}, {Rcmdr}, ... and numerous influential books. I will miss him greatly.
www.john-fox.ca
John Fox: Books and Software
www.john-fox.ca
November 28, 2025 at 3:26 PM
#rstats
It is with profound sadness I heard that my long-time friend and colleague, John Fox passed away this week.
He was the author of {car}, {effects}, {Rcmdr}, ... and numerous influential books. I will miss him greatly.
www.john-fox.ca
It is with profound sadness I heard that my long-time friend and colleague, John Fox passed away this week.
He was the author of {car}, {effects}, {Rcmdr}, ... and numerous influential books. I will miss him greatly.
www.john-fox.ca
Reposted by David Firth
Come and join the @significancemag.bsky.social editorial board!
If you are a member of the RSS or ASA, and love Significance magazine, please consider applying to join the editorial board.
Full details here: significancemagazine.com
Full details here: significancemagazine.com
November 27, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Come and join the @significancemag.bsky.social editorial board!
Reposted by David Firth
I’m a past winner of the Orwell Prize & won partly because I exposed Vote Leave’s unlawful activities.
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Michael Gove Made Orwell Prize Judge Despite Record of Attacking Journalists and Dodging Scrutiny
Critics say "Orwell would have enjoyed the irony" of the former Conservative minister's appointment
bylinetimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:53 PM
I’m a past winner of the Orwell Prize & won partly because I exposed Vote Leave’s unlawful activities.
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Reposted by David Firth
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
Reposted by David Firth
Overseas-trained doctors leaving the UK in record numbers.
Direct result of racism and insecurity unleashed by major political parties.
Not enough home trained doctors. Takes years and high debt to become a doctor.
A healthcare crisis in the making.
Direct result of racism and insecurity unleashed by major political parties.
Not enough home trained doctors. Takes years and high debt to become a doctor.
A healthcare crisis in the making.
Overseas-trained doctors leaving the UK in record numbers
Medical bodies warn that hostility towards migrants is behind a 26% rise in departures last year that imperils NHS
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Overseas-trained doctors leaving the UK in record numbers.
Direct result of racism and insecurity unleashed by major political parties.
Not enough home trained doctors. Takes years and high debt to become a doctor.
A healthcare crisis in the making.
Direct result of racism and insecurity unleashed by major political parties.
Not enough home trained doctors. Takes years and high debt to become a doctor.
A healthcare crisis in the making.
Reposted by David Firth
#rstats Some packages include many datasets to illustrate the methods they provide, like my {heplots} and
{vcdExtra} pkgs.
I devised a scheme, using `@concept` tags to classify them according to the methods.
Perhaps this is useful to others
I describe what I did in this vignette: bit.ly/4oalgBd
{vcdExtra} pkgs.
I devised a scheme, using `@concept` tags to classify them according to the methods.
Perhaps this is useful to others
I describe what I did in this vignette: bit.ly/4oalgBd
Data sets in the heplots package
friendly.github.io
November 21, 2025 at 5:29 PM
#rstats Some packages include many datasets to illustrate the methods they provide, like my {heplots} and
{vcdExtra} pkgs.
I devised a scheme, using `@concept` tags to classify them according to the methods.
Perhaps this is useful to others
I describe what I did in this vignette: bit.ly/4oalgBd
{vcdExtra} pkgs.
I devised a scheme, using `@concept` tags to classify them according to the methods.
Perhaps this is useful to others
I describe what I did in this vignette: bit.ly/4oalgBd
Reposted by David Firth
It is indisputable that Brexit has been an economic disaster, and notable that none of its political architects have paid any price.
Brexit has caused almost twice as much damage to the UK economy than estimated by official forecasts, according to new paper from a group of experts including a senior Bank of England economist
Brexit Hit to UK Economy Double Official Estimate, Study Finds
Brexit has caused almost twice as much damage to the UK economy than estimated by official forecasts, according to new paper from a group of experts including a senior Bank of England economist.
bloom.bg
November 21, 2025 at 10:15 AM
It is indisputable that Brexit has been an economic disaster, and notable that none of its political architects have paid any price.
Literally incredible
Trump: I’m very proud of the job he’s done. What he’s done is incredible in terms of human rights.
November 18, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Literally incredible
Reposted by David Firth
Reporter to MBS: "U.S. intelligence concluded that you orchestrated the brutal murder of a journalist..."
Trump: "Fake news...He's done a phenomenal job. You're mentioning someone who was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about…things happen."
Trump: "Fake news...He's done a phenomenal job. You're mentioning someone who was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about…things happen."
November 18, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Reporter to MBS: "U.S. intelligence concluded that you orchestrated the brutal murder of a journalist..."
Trump: "Fake news...He's done a phenomenal job. You're mentioning someone who was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about…things happen."
Trump: "Fake news...He's done a phenomenal job. You're mentioning someone who was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about…things happen."
Reposted by David Firth
Tl;dr - if Labour want to combat racism, they should say racism is wrong, over and over, and act on that belief (e.g. by leaving certain social media sites owned by racists). That would do more to promote anti-racist norms, and protect the interests of Britain's minorities than immigration controls.
November 18, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Tl;dr - if Labour want to combat racism, they should say racism is wrong, over and over, and act on that belief (e.g. by leaving certain social media sites owned by racists). That would do more to promote anti-racist norms, and protect the interests of Britain's minorities than immigration controls.
Reposted by David Firth
Thrilled that Prof. Bhramar Mukherjee will give a keynote at the 2026 RSS International Conference in Bournemouth!
A leading voice in biostats and data science, Bhramar’s work on genetic/environmental data integration and COVID-19 has shaped the field.
More details 👉 rss.org.uk/news-publica...
A leading voice in biostats and data science, Bhramar’s work on genetic/environmental data integration and COVID-19 has shaped the field.
More details 👉 rss.org.uk/news-publica...
Bhramar Mukherjee to give keynote at RSS 2026 Conference
rss.org.uk
November 18, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Thrilled that Prof. Bhramar Mukherjee will give a keynote at the 2026 RSS International Conference in Bournemouth!
A leading voice in biostats and data science, Bhramar’s work on genetic/environmental data integration and COVID-19 has shaped the field.
More details 👉 rss.org.uk/news-publica...
A leading voice in biostats and data science, Bhramar’s work on genetic/environmental data integration and COVID-19 has shaped the field.
More details 👉 rss.org.uk/news-publica...
Reposted by David Firth
The contaminated waste piled high in a field near Kidlington is now washing into River Cherwell. In the last 48 hours, the water level has risen 4+ feet and is lapping against the illegal dump.
We stand on the edge of an environmental disaster. We need urgent action from the Environment Agency.
We stand on the edge of an environmental disaster. We need urgent action from the Environment Agency.
November 16, 2025 at 6:52 PM
The contaminated waste piled high in a field near Kidlington is now washing into River Cherwell. In the last 48 hours, the water level has risen 4+ feet and is lapping against the illegal dump.
We stand on the edge of an environmental disaster. We need urgent action from the Environment Agency.
We stand on the edge of an environmental disaster. We need urgent action from the Environment Agency.
Reposted by David Firth
Yay science!
British and Australian chemists have discovered a powerful new antibiotic called pre-methylenomycin C lactone, hiding in a well-known soil bacterium. This molecule kills drug-resistant bacteria without triggering resistance. buff.ly/YlXaONo
#ShareGoodNewsToo
#ShareGoodNewsToo
Scientists find hidden antibiotic 100x stronger against deadly superbugs
A team of scientists discovered a hidden antibiotic 100 times stronger than existing drugs against deadly superbugs like MRSA. The molecule had been overlooked for decades in a familiar bacterium. It…
buff.ly
November 16, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Yay science!
Reposted by David Firth
Two assistant prof. vacancies at Warwick Statistics: warwick-careers.tal.net/vx/appcentre... (deadline 25 January 2025 at 11:55pm). CSML applications very welcome!
Assistant Professor x2 (104176-1125) - University of Warwick
Title: Assistant Professor x2 (104176-1125). Application Deadline: . Position Type: Permanent
warwick-careers.tal.net
November 14, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Two assistant prof. vacancies at Warwick Statistics: warwick-careers.tal.net/vx/appcentre... (deadline 25 January 2025 at 11:55pm). CSML applications very welcome!
Reposted by David Firth
The BBC is apologising for its Panorama edit. It shouldn’t. First, the narrative is true: Donald Trump *did* incite the Capitol riot. Second, the apology won’t appease those attacking it. So why not at least stand for something?
Wrote this on it earlier this week:
inews.co.uk/news/world/b...
Wrote this on it earlier this week:
inews.co.uk/news/world/b...
The BBC was right about the Capitol riots. In a sane world, Trump would be in jail
The US President faced impeachment over the violence, and in a world where Republicans had more courage, he would have been found guilty
inews.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 7:05 AM
The BBC is apologising for its Panorama edit. It shouldn’t. First, the narrative is true: Donald Trump *did* incite the Capitol riot. Second, the apology won’t appease those attacking it. So why not at least stand for something?
Wrote this on it earlier this week:
inews.co.uk/news/world/b...
Wrote this on it earlier this week:
inews.co.uk/news/world/b...
Reposted by David Firth
"Getting Franklin’s story right is crucial, because she has become a role model for women going into science. She was up against not just the routine sexism of the day, but also more subtle forms embedded in science — some of which are still present today."
#R4Today
#R4Today
If I see one more stupid Rosalind Franklin take I'm going to lose my mind. Thank god for @matthewcobb.bsky.social and @nccomfort.bsky.social. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
What Rosalind Franklin truly contributed to the discovery of DNA’s structure
Franklin was no victim in how the DNA double helix was solved. An overlooked letter and an unpublished news article, both written in 1953, reveal that she was an equal player.
www.nature.com
November 8, 2025 at 7:33 AM
"Getting Franklin’s story right is crucial, because she has become a role model for women going into science. She was up against not just the routine sexism of the day, but also more subtle forms embedded in science — some of which are still present today."
#R4Today
#R4Today