The IMA welcomes the Prime Minister’s acknowledgement of the central position of mathematics in today’s world. We will be happy to help the Government formulate its approach and develop the resources to deliver on a commitment to make sure all students are equipped to assess and interpret the financial, medical and technical information that will be thrown at them in the future.
Mathematical knowledge and skills are fundamental to innovation in all areas of industry and the public sector. This can be witnessed by the growth in data analytics across many roles from digital marketing to agriculture, and maths is an underpinning subject in fields providing solutions to global challenges such as green energy solutions, climate science and healthcare.
To meet these needs education is needed at all levels, from primary school to higher degrees, and support for mathematical research and the application of this research in society is important for both cultural and economic reasons.
At a personal level, mathematical knowledge and confidence is also vital for managing personal finances, the cost of living, running a business and understanding risks. Encouraging a culture of maths education for both specialists and generalists alike will be vital to helping the next generation of young people reach their potential.
The IMA supports the mathematical community to maximise the benefits from mathematics at a personal and at a national level. The IMA would be very happy to be part of the conversation needed to move from the Prime Minister’s ambitions to practical pathways which achieve those goals.
