We have written to the University of Nottingham to raise concerns about its Future Nottingham 2 (FN2) programme and its potential impact on statistics and wider mathematical sciences.
In the letter, we drew attention to the strong and sustained student demand for courses in mathematics and related disciplines. Statistics, in particular, plays a critical role in equipping students with the analytical and data-handling skills required across a range of sectors. Demand for statistical skills will only continue to grow, driven by data science, AI and quantitative applications across disciplines.
We expressed concern that the FN2 programme, which suggests an approximate reduction of 15% in academic staff and a notable decrease in time allocated to research, could place significant strain on the delivery of high-quality teaching and risk damaging a vibrant research environment. A contraction at this scale may limit the department’s ability to offer the breadth and depth of statistical training that students increasingly expect, and that employers consistently seek.
In our letter, we also highlighted the University of Nottingham’s strong international reputation in the mathematical sciences, and its significant interdisciplinary impact, particularly in medicine and engineering. This is important; statistics and the mathematical sciences underpin teaching and research across the university, contributing to disciplines ranging from health and life sciences to economics and engineering. Maintaining adequate capacity in these areas is therefore vital, not only for the School of Mathematical Sciences itself but also for the wider academic community and for the development of future skills in data and quantitative analysis.
We urged the University of Nottingham to reconsider its plans in this context and offered to engage constructively on how best to support a sustainable and positive future for statistics and the mathematical sciences at Nottingham.
In its response, the University of Nottingham emphasised its commitment to maintaining excellence in maths and statistics, as it makes efforts to ensure financial sustainability. The University noted that proposed staffing reductions would be phased and, where possible, voluntary, insisting that degree programmes and research activities will continue. They also highlighted that proposals are subject to consultation and will not be finalised until the autumn.
Read the letters in full.