Tim Peters is Professor of Primary Care Health Services Research at Bristol University. He is a statistician and non-clinical trialist with over 25 years’ experience in epidemiology and health services research. He has published influential randomised clinical trials in mental health and observational studies on the early diagnosis of cancer and is a leading trial methodologist. He has undertaken a series of key managerial roles in his institution and externally, chairs MRC and NIHR panels as well as similar committees for Wales and Republic of Ireland. He is committed to teaching and to developing the careers of colleagues at all levels from a truly multidisciplinary perspective.