Academic Reps Promote Maths and the IMA

Mathematicians from across the country descended on De Morgan House in London, on a sunny Friday morning, for the IMA Academic Representatives’ Forum 2024. The last Forum was held in 2019 and there was an air of excitement at its re-establishment. Learning from the pandemic, the event was hybrid, with many representatives and high-profile speakers participating online.

After our initial greetings over tea and biscuits, the representatives gathered in the conference room of De Morgan House to hear a pre-recorded message from the IMA President Hannah Fry HonFREng FIMA, who was away but sent her best wishes.

Howard Haughton CMath FIMA, the Institute’s EDI Champion, kick-started the day with an interesting talk on the role of Maths and AI. Real-world and relatable examples were passionately combined with the mathematics underpinning AI, applications and ethical considerations. The talk even attracted a feline visitor at the window!

Howard and Jenny welcome the Academic Reps

Rosalind Azouzi, the IMA Executive Director, highlighted the recent developments in digital provisions. The newly established mentoring scheme has over 150 users at present, and you can sign up (either as mentor or mentee) at IMA Exponential. An agreement with Oxford University Press (OUP) now gives access to all IMA journals for corporate members.

Many exciting developments are coming soon, including: digital membership cards, and a new career development platform bringing content together from Maths Careers alongside micro-courses for CPD. Keep your eyes peeled!

Paul Glaister CBE CMath CSci FIMA, a stalwart of the IMA, highlighted how degree accreditation streamlines the application process for both membership and chartership. The Alliance for Data Science Professionals is developing a new accreditation process for Data Science degrees and is working towards offering chartered designation. The Alliance hopes the charter will be ready in 2025.

Have you ever wondered about Knowledge Exchange (KE)? With extensive personal experience of working with companies, Chris Breward FIMA from the KE Hub for Mathematical Sciences is the man to ask! The Hub brings people together to solve problems in business, industry and government. There are 57 KE Champions in universities and 52 non-academic partners. They run a range of activities, available for KE beginners through to established researchers. We encourage you to get involved by contacting KEHub@newton.ac.uk.

Are you passionate about promoting mathematics and the IMA? Martine Barons CMath FIMA, Chair of the West Midlands Branch, was flying the flag for local branches. They’re a great way to meet people in your locale, organise events with schools, invite guest speakers and arrange other activities that promote mathematics. Find your local branch.

James Van Yperen AMIMA, Early Career Mathematicians (ECM) Committee, encouraged everyone to get involved. The ECMs host Virtual Maths Teas, CPD events with seminars by prize winners and an industry lunch and learn – heartily endorsed by Paul Glaister. There are many ways you can be involved, so get in touch with ECM@ima.org.uk.

James and Paul encourage members to get involved with the IMA

After a lunch break, the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences (AcadMathSci) was promoted by Rachel Bearon FIMA. AcadMathSci aims to represent the whole of the mathematical sciences community, working in partnership with the established learned societies. They have applied for £6 million of funding from the government with the hope of a successful outcome in the summer. Alongside the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, they created the Maths Manifesto and supported the first Maths Summit event. AcadMathSci’s first president, Alison Etheridge OBE FRS FIMA, was appointed in May and will advance the aims of the Academy.

The wide range of support the IMA can offer to university departments was presented by Jenny May Roberts (Jenny.Roberts@ima.org.uk), the Membership Development & Marketing Executive. If your department doesn’t have an Academic Rep, please get in touch with Jenny.

Finally, we began the best part of any event – networking! Catching up with old and new colleagues, making connections for the first time and reflecting on the day’s activities. Academic Reps returned to their departments, with a renewed vigour and a promise to encourage one and all to join the IMA. We hope that this update has inspired you to join your local branch and help to promote the IMA to the public and beyond!