David Ulph is Professor Emeritus in the School of Economics and Finance at the University of St Andrews having been Professor of Economics there between 2006 and January 2021, and Director of the Scottish Institute for Research in Economics (SIRE) between 2010-2017. His research covers a wide range of issues relating to public policy, including the design and performance of taxes and benefits. From 2001-2006 he was Chief Economist and Director of Analysis at HM Revenue and Customs (initially Inland Revenue) where, amongst other things, he was personally accountable for the forecasts of all UK tax revenues, and the measurement of UK National Income. From 2015-2021 he was a member of the NHS Pay Review Body. In 2017 he was appointed as a member of the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

Professor Ulph was appointed 8 October 2018 and his second term ends 7 October 2025.