David Collett obtained his first degree at the University of Leicester, before going on to complete an MSc in statistics at the University of Newcastle and a PhD in statistics at the University of Hull. David was a lecturer and senior lecturer in the Department of Applied Statistics at the University of Reading for over 25 years, including eight years as head of that department. In 2003, he was appointed Associate Director of Statistics and Clinical Studies at NHS Blood and Transplant. This involved supervising the statistical work of over 30 staff and collaborative work with transplant clinicians and research scientists. David became Director of the NHS Blood and Transplant Clinical Trials Unit, responsible for the design, conduct and analysis of clinical trials in transplantation and transfusion medicine. He also held a visiting chair in the Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute, University of Southampton, until his retirement. He now likes to spend as much time as possible on the golf course.