The Risk Initiative and Statistical Consultancy Unit (RISCU) is one of the foci for the application of statistical methods, risk and decision analysis and probability within the Department of Statistics at the University of Warwick. Primarily this takes the form of providing consultancy services across the private, public and NGO sectors. However, the unit has a role in other forms of engagement both within and outwith the University: contributing to multi-disciplinary research projects with other University departments and organisations, supporting the application of probability, risk and statistical theory in other disciplines, executive and continued professional development, other knowledge transfer activities and the promotion of the Department's research and professional interests.

RISCU was founded in 1995 by Professor Henry Wynn, although the Statistics Department has had a statistical consulting service since 1985. Professor Simon French took up the directorship of RISCU upon his arrival in the Department of Statistics in August 2011. With Simon French's arrival, RISCU is entering a period of growth which will see it expand its work in risk and decision analysis while maintaining its statistical consultancy activities. In keeping with the research excellence of the Department, our work will be cutting edge. We seek to build relationships with our clients that enable longer term knowledge transfer and professional development activities.

Support for External Clients 

• Advisory Service. The aim of RISCU is to provide help and guidance on all statistical matters relating to statistical, risk and decision analysis. In the case of statistics this includes sampling and experimental design, statistical analysis of all forms of data, modelling, statistical computing, and data visualisation and presentation. Our expertise in risk and decision analysis covers modelling and analytic techniques, the use of expert judgement, sensitivity analysis, stakeholder engagement and behavioural issues. As an active unit within a strong Department RISCU provides links to individual research staff who can provide access to the latest developments in statistical research (see, e.g. CRiSM).
  
• Data Analysis and Reporting. To meet clients’ needs we can provide full statistical, risk and decision analytic analyses supported professional reports. However, please note that we much prefer to help with entire statistical projects in which we help in the design of data collection as well as its analysis.
• Research. The consultancy service is not confined to routine statistical advice – indeed, our aim is to move beyond routine analysis and provide access to modern statistical, risk and decision analytic techniques and ideas that can enhance clients' projects and add considerable value to their businesses. RISCU often involves other academic from the Department and sometimes others from across the University as associate consultants. The strength of the research strength of the Department and the University is such that we can usually offer all relevant expertise.

To learn about existing projects and how to apply: Funded External Projects and External Consultancy Service.

Support for Internal Clients

• Research Proposals. For members of the University without personal contact in th Department of Statistics and wishing to write a research proposal which needs advice and input involving statistical, risk or decision analysis, RISCU act as a point of contact and advice. We will meet the proposer and either provide advice ourselves or help the proposer make contact with a more appropriate member of Statistics.
  
• Club and Forum. RISCU is currently developing a club and forum for stafff and research students from other Departments and clients of RISCU to provide general statistical, risk and decision analytic advice and introductions to key areas of statistics that the may need in their work. We shall be arranging informal meetings to provide an opportunity for staff to meet, swap interests, learn what is new and meet some of the Statistics staff. We also plan to develop an occasional seminar series. Details will follow in the Spring of 2012.
  
• Statistical Enquiries. Generally RISCU is happy to act as an interface to the Department. We always interested to learn how statistics is being used in other disciplines and would like to help shape that use and take it to the next level. However, please note that neither we nor others in the Department can offer unlimited statistical advice without funding.
  

For further details of the support offered by RISCU to members of Warwick University, please go to the Internal Support Page.

Address:
RISCU, Dept of Statistics
University of Warwick
Coventry, CV4 7AL
UK

General Enquiries
44(0)24 7652 4630
Fax
44(0)24 7652 4532

Email
riscu@warwick.ac.uk

© RISCU, 2005. All rights reserved