Professor John Copas works in statistical methodology and socio-medical applications. One of his current interests is the development of methods for statistical sensitivity analysis, particularly in problems of missing data, biased selection, model mis-specifcation, or publication bias in systematic reviews (or meta analysis) in medical research. Other interests include advances in regression modelling and risk scoring.

He holds the prestigious Guy Medal in Silver of the Royal Statistical Society, is a former Chairman of the RSS Research Section and is a former Vice-President of the RSS.