IN CONVERSATION WITH PROF. JOHAN FERREIRA

Prof. Johan Ferreira is a statistician, academic, and musician based in
Johannesburg. He is a Professor in the School of Statistics and Actuarial Science at
the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), where he teaches and researches in the
field of mathematical statistics. A lecturer in mathematical statistics by day and an
oboist by night, Johan plays full-time for the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra,
a balance that reflects his belief that mathematics and music are intrinsically linked.
His research covers statistical theory, methodology, and applied statistics. Johan was
recognised among the Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans (2016) for
his remarkable ability to merge creativity and scientific precision. Before joining Wits
in 2025, Johan was the Assistant Focus Area Coordinator for Statistics at the Centre
of Excellence in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (CoE-MaSS) and is an
Associate of the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences
(NITheCS). He has taught widely across undergraduate and postgraduate levels and
remains passionate about exploring and sharing the fundamentals of statistical
thinking.