Bristol Professor Gives Prize-Winning Lecture on Creativity in the Mathematical SciencesIf mathematics is completely rules based, how can it be used creatively to generate new ideas? In answering this question, a Bristol Professor has argued that at some level we all hate maths because we get stuck and confused; but in order to be truly creative we should learn to embrace rather than fear that feeling.
At an awards ceremony and lecture in London at the end of last month, the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) awarded the David Youdan Medal to Professor Alan Champneys of the School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology at the University of Bristol.
The silver medal, which is accompanied by a cash prize, was established in honour of David Youdan who served with distinction as IMA Executive Director from 2002 to 2021.
The presentation to Prof Champneys, the second recipient of the award, was made by David Youdan himself in front of an audience of IMA members and staff. Alan was then invited to give a one-hour lecture entitled: “Breaking the Rules: The Role of Creativity in the Mathematical Sciences.” A recording of the lecture is available online on our IMAMaths YouTube channel.
IMA Executive Director Rosalind Azouzi said “Alan gave an inspirational talk on not being afraid to break, or ‘bend’, the rules with examples from art, music and mathematics.”
The presentation reflected on what Prof Champneys had learned in his career about creativity, both in doing maths and in promoting it. Despite mathematics being rules-based, he claimed “…creativity tends to arise through a process of simplification, borrowing and juxtaposition. That is, taking one or more simple, well-known, obvious concepts known in one context, and applying them in another. Even in mathematics, the key to unlocking a creative idea can be to simply ask questions. Through this inquisitive approach we strip a problem back to its bare essentials. And then, we perform a `twist’. “This process he likened to the art of Banksy, especially given how mathematicians like to scribble on walls. It was also likened to Douglas Adams’ advice on learning to fly, and Dr Spock’s advice to young mothers: “Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do”. He also reflected how we all find maths hard, but we should accept and not fear the feeling of being `stuck’. Also, we should embrace the word `stop!’ when a change of perspective is required.
Also, breaking the common conception of the lone-scholar, Champneys explained how he had come to realise mathematics is a team sport. Thus, advancement of mathematical ideas or careers requires a true team ethos, as reflected in organisations like the IMA.
Professor Tony Mulholland, Head of the School of Engineering and Technology at the University of Bristol adds:
“We are so proud of Alan’s achievements. He embodies for us the true role of an academic; a popular lecturer with the students, a strong international research reputation, and a distinguished career leading interdisciplinary initiatives across the University, the UK and beyond. He may break the rules, but always with a smile on his face, and for the good of others.”
Citation for Alan Champneys’ award:
Leadership, vision, communication, energy, and good humour are the hallmarks of Professor Champneys’ many contributions to the aims and objectives of the IMA.
He has been an editor-in-chief of the IMA Journal of Applied Mathematics since 2003. During this time, he has worked diligently to increase the prominence of the journal within the international applied mathematics community. He has led several initiatives to attract readers and contributors to the journal whilst maintaining the highest levels of quality and integrity in the peer review process and in appointments to the editorial board. He has also introduced many successful special issues to further increase the journals reach and influence. In that role he has previously been the representative for the journal on the IMA’s Journals Board of Management Committee.
At an ICMS meeting of the applied mathematics community in 2015, Professor Champneys suggested that there should be a comprehensive review of knowledge exchange in the mathematical sciences. This led to the EPSRC and Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) funding of an independent review chaired by Professor Philip Bond; the so-called Bond Review. Professor Champneys then represented the IMA on this review, at the CMS, and on a task-and-finish group for the IMA’s response to the Bond Review’s recommendations. This also involved him organising and chairing the first (and only) IMA Conference on Knowledge Exchange in 2018.
Beyond these contributions, Professor Champneys has played a prominent role in several other IMA activities. He has been the main organiser of the biennial IMA Lighthill-Thwaites Prize since its inception in 2011. As part of the team organising celebrations for the IMA’s 50th birthday, he was the instigator of, and co-author (along with 6 others under the pseudonym Sam Parc) of, the book “50 Visions of Mathematics”. He is probably best known amongst the wider IMA membership for his “Westward Ho! musings on maths and mechanics” that appear in the IMA members’ magazine, Mathematics Today; he has contributed 24 of these to date. Alan was also co-editor of a guest issue of Mathematics Today on Knowledge Exchange in Summer 2020.
Professor Champneys has also represented the IMA (and the general areas that the IMA supports) on many national committees, including V-KEMS, the Newton Gateway steering committee, and the ESGI planning committee. He is never afraid to speak up for the interests of the IMA, and applied mathematics, whenever needed.
He is a worthy recipient of the IMA David Youdan Medal for sustained outstanding contribution to the aims and objectives of the IMA.
