To celebrate the MRC’s 100th birthday, scientists from the MRC Biostatistics Unit (BSU) have taken part in Open Week, throwing open their doors to give visitors an insight to some of the awe-inspiring science that goes on in our establishments.

On Thursday 20th June 2013, members of the public were able to explore the work of the MRC Biostatistics Unit for themselves. Our Unit was open with scientists on hand to talk about their research, an exhibition about the history, pioneers and discoveries of the MRC Biostatistics Unit -one of the MRC’s four foundation units- and Café Scientifique discussions which brought into focus the depth and breadth of the life-changing work of the BSU.

This is what one of the members of the audience had to say:
“Simply brilliant! Have enjoyed listening to the relaxed talks and reading the enormous achievements of the MRC BSU scientists over 100 years. Keep up the good work in engaging scientific thoughts and solutions.” Stephen

The MRC BSU Open Day ended in the evening with a Public Lecture given by David Spiegelhalter, Winton Professor for the Public Understanding of Risk, University of Cambridge, who discussed Putting life into numbers- how statistical science has transformed health care.

This event was sold out and more than 250 people attended, concluding as well an exceptional series of Public Lectures co-hosted by the MRC Biostatistics Unit and the Cambridge Statistical Laboratory to celebrate the MRC Centenary and 2013 as the International Year of Statistics.

MRC Biostatistics Unit celebrates its centenary during October 2013 and August 2014, 100 years on from the decision of the Medical Research Committee to establish a statistical unit and appointment of its first Director: John Brownlee.

Our programme of celebratory events begins with the Armitage Lecture in November 2013, and includes our Centenary Conference (24-26 March 2014) and our co-hosting of the Bradford Hill Lecture with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

To stay informed of the latest developments, please check our website https://www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/ regularly for the latest updates.