You may have heard about the development of a UK Academy for the Mathematical Sciences
(
www.acadmathsci.org.uk). The proposed Academy is intended to be an authoritative and
persuasive voice for the whole of the mathematical sciences. Mathematical sciences include, but are
not limited to, mathematics, statistics and operational research.
We can see the gains from researchers, teachers and users of mathematical sciences working
together to educate, to use and develop the mathematical sciences, and to communicate its power
to benefit our world. We believe that a national voice spanning these interests is essential to ensure
that the mathematical sciences across the UK delivers on its potential to enrich our world by
nurturing the people pipeline and by increasing societal engagement and recognition of the value,
and beauty, of mathematical sciences. We want the Academy (AcadMathSci) to focus on ways we
can contribute both to the broader policy and economic agenda around mathematical sciences, and
the way in which mathematical sciences can be used in wider policy discussions.
We are keen to consult widely, both to inform next steps and to help with identifying initial priorities
for the Academy’s activities. To that end, four consultation events have been organised to bring
together opinions from across the wide range of the mathematical sciences community. This letter
is to invite you and colleagues to these consultation events - and to ask for your support in shaping
the Academy’s work.The Consultation Period will be from 26 April until 30 June. The online
Consultation Events, kindly hosted by ICMS (International Centre for Mathematical Sciences), will be
as follows:
- Consultation Event 1 : Thursday 4 May, 10am - 12 midday
- Consultation Event 2 : Tuesday 16 May, 4pm - 5pm
- Consultation Event 3 : Wednesday 17 May, 2pm - 4pm
- Consultation Event 4 : Wednesday 24 May, 4pm - 5pm
The consultation events will: update attendees on progress to date; provide an opportunity to input
into the organisational structure of the Academy to best support the mathematical sciences; and
shape priorities for the Academy’s initial programme of activity. Furthermore, a consultation
document will be published on the Academy’s website on 26 April, seeking responses by 30 June.
To register to attend one of the Consultation Events, and to learn more about the Academy and
Consultation, please see our website: https://www.acadmathsci.org.uk/about/consultation/
We are keen to involve people who are new to hearing about the Academy in addition to those who
are familiar with the background and how we have reached this point. This process is aimed broadly
and is an open consultation enabling everyone to shape the Academy.
The mathematical sciences community in the UK is a world leader and provides the bedrock to all the
sciences and major technological advancements. Developing an authoritative and persuasive voice
on issues affecting the whole community - including teachers and other educators; people working in
industry, finance, charities and government; and academics – will be a key aim of the Academy for
the Mathematical Sciences. Furthermore, the Royal Academy of Engineering has clearly shown that
substantial benefits accrue from having a single organisation connecting and speaking for education,
innovation, research and industry, and which works with government to generate effective policy.
The Council for the Mathematical Sciences (CMS), and its five member societies (Edinburgh
Mathematical Society, Institute for Mathematics and its Applications, London Mathematical Society,
Operational Research Society, Royal Statistical Society), established the process to determine the
feasibility and set-up of an Academy for the Mathematical Sciences. This consultation is the latest
stage in that process, with further work after the consultation prior to a potential launch of the
Academy by early 2025. Further background is available on the website www.AcadMathSci.org.uk
It is important that the mathematical sciences community, through the Academy, becomes more
influential with government, funding agencies, industry, the public and the media.
Your views in shaping the Academy are very important to us.
Many thanks. Best wishes,
Nigel Campbell, Chair of the Executive Committee
Dr Christie Marr, Executive Director
on behalf of the Executive Committee for the proto-Academy set-up phase