We are delighted to announce that the 2026 IMA David Youdan Medal has been awarded to Professor Paul Glaister CBE CMath CSci FIMA
The IMA David Youdan Medal was established in honour of David Youdan who served with distinction as IMA Executive Director from 2002 to 2021, becoming an Honorary Fellow on the occasion of his retirement.
The medal, which was introduced to the community in 2022, is awarded on a biennial basis, to a member of the IMA, or its professional staff, for sustained outstanding contribution to the aims and objectives of the IMA.
Paul Glaister is a Professor of Mathematics and Mathematics Education at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Reading, with 43 years of teaching and leadership experience. His current IMA roles include Honorary Secretary (membership), Chair of the Membership Committee, Vice-Chair of the Schools and Further Education Committee, and member of Nominating Committee, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Higher Education Committee.
Furthermore, he is the IMA representative on the LMS International Affairs Committee, the Joint Mathematical Council (having also served as its Chair), and sits on the Alliance for Data Science Professionals (AfDSP) Steering Committee. He is the Chair of the Royal Society Advisory Committee for Mathematics Education A Level Expert Panel, of which he has been a member for almost a decade. He was elected the President of the Mathematical Association 2025-2026 and is a member of the Education Advisory Board member for the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences.
His remarkable array of contributions was recognised by his deserving award of CBE in 2023 for services to Education. The above represents a non-exhaustive list of his many professional contributions; a complete list may be found at paulglaister.org.
His contributions to IMA committees across all stages of education are a reflection of his breadth of mathematics education knowledge, including supporting post-16 mathematics qualifications and policy across England, Northern Ireland and Wales. He has also advocated for the IMA’s degree accreditation scheme, highlighting its benefits to the application process for both membership and chartership. He is widely respected as a central figure within the IMA with informed, balanced and succinct views. These skills and experience are also reflected in his contributions to several IMA award and grant panels.
Representing the IMA on national and international groups, one of Paul’s greatest strengths is enabling collaboration across the UK mathematics community, enabled by his tireless energy, commitment and personable approach.
His impact has been further amplified through his many published letters in The Times newspaper, often advocating for mathematics.
Professor Glaister is a worthy recipient of the IMA David Youdan Medal for sustained outstanding contribution to the aims and objectives of the IMA.
The Medal presentation and lecture will take place in March 2027. Further details about the event will be announced in the autumn.
