Richard Peto (born May 14, 1943) is a prominent British epidemiologist and statistician, best known for his groundbreaking work in cancer epidemiology and large-scale randomized controlled trials. He is a professor of medical statistics and epidemiology at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of the Royal Society. Collaborating with Richard Doll, Peto provided key evidence linking smoking to lung cancer and led major trials like the ISIS series, which transformed cardiovascular disease treatment. His advocacy for evidence-based medicine has shaped global tobacco control policies. Peto has received numerous awards, including the Royal Medal, for his contributions to public health.
