Andrew Pickles is Professor of Epidemiological and Social Statistics at the University of Manchester. A particular contribution has been in the area of complex measurement including formulation of more reliable and valid measures, for example in the diagnosis of autism. He has pioneered methods of analysis allowing studies to focus on the most scientifically informative individuals. In another notable achievement he has used small cross-measure calibration samples combined with existing cohort data to estimate trends in UK child and adolescent mental health, helping to raise the priority given to the mental health of children. Not only does he bring valuable statistical expertise – his early academic career was in Geography and Urban Planning.