In praise of pioneers

In this issue, we honor two innovators and leaders in statistics education who sadly passed away within a month of each other. The loss of Jim Ridgway and Peter Holmes is deeply felt by all, but we also celebrate their wonderful lives and achievements, their deep thinking, and their boundless energy and dedication to bring this thinking to fruition in so many substantial real innovations that progressed the authentic learning of students, teachers, and instructors worldwide. The tributes in this issue outline the breadth and scope of their achievements and acumen, and provide some indication of why so many have been impacted by their work and will always hold them high in their memories, respect, and admiration. Their educational and initial work backgrounds and journeys were different, but both brought their remarkable intelligence and drive to understanding the nature and learning of statistical and mathematical thinking, and thence to pedagogies, curricula, materials, activities, and assessments that were immediate, ahead of their time and of lasting currency. Both never stopped thinking deeply and widely, unfettered by any norms, conventions, or so-called rules. Their vitality and passion were matched by their support, mentoring, and friendship of students and colleagues worldwide. They were both wonderful to work with, and generous with their humor and warmth. The tributes demonstrate that their impact and influence were as wide as they were deep. The diversity of Jim's significant work in assessment, curricula, reasoning, visualization, citizenship, social issues, official statistics, and civic statistics is as profound as they are practical, and matched by the breadth and quality of his research and writings. Jim's contributions, projects, and output in empowering learners, teachers, and citizens, together with his professional and academic accomplishments and leadership will resound in perpetuity. Peter's special passions and achievements in learning and teaching at school level were not only visionary and beacons for the future, but also influenced the learning and teaching of statistical thinking at all levels and across all disciplines. He worked closely with leading statisticians as statistical education grew in the 1970s, and the respect in which he was held in the profession was marked by a range of invitations, from such as the ASA (American Statistical Association) and the RSS (Royal Statistical Society), and honors such as the RSS William Guy Lecturer in 2003 and the Chambers Medal in 2008. There are pioneers, innovators, inspirers, and leaders in every discipline, but the universality, pervasiveness, and importance of the statistical and data sciences in all human and society endeavors, make those in our discipline of particular significance, especially for their contribution to learning and teaching across all disciplines, all educational levels and across society and workplaces. The statistical and data education global community extend their deepest sympathy and thoughts to the families and friends of Jim and Peter, join in celebrating their lives, and pay their profound respect, admiration, and gratitude for their wonderful achievements, vision, and contributions in every way to the community.