A walk through the garden of forking paths: Exploring models and uncertainty

About Professor Matthew Schofield's research

Matthew Schofield is an applied statistician in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Otago. His research involves the development and fitting of hierarchical Bayesian models for complex applied problems. This includes critically evaluating modelling approaches, understanding their foundations, limitations, and connections to one another.

His early research focused on capture-recapture models, used primarily for understanding the dynamics of wildlife populations. Recent research spans applications across the biological sciences, from ecology and environmental science to biomechanics, physiology, genetics, and sports science. A common thread in these applications is a desire to understand and incorporate scientific understanding into the development of statistical models.

Matthew completed his undergraduate studies and PhD at the University of Otago, before undertaking postdoctoral research at Columbia University. He then held a tenure-track position at the University of Kentucky before returning to Otago in 2014.

Matthew is the current Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and has recently completed a term as Co-Editor of Biometrics, a leading journal for statistical methodology with applications in the biological sciences.

This lecture will be followed with light refreshments, tea, coffee and juice.

Livestreaming information

This event will be livestreamed from 5:25pm, Thursday 15 October 2026.

Livestream Professor Matthew Schofield's