Sir David Wallace, chair of the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, welcomed the IUSS report. In particular, he was pleased to see that the committee recognised the importance of protecting of basic research.
He said, “The committee recommended that increased focus in applied research and industrial follow-through should not be at the expense of blue-skies research, which is one of the UK’s greatest strengths. This is particularly true in the mathematical sciences, where the timescale between fundamental research and its application can be many years, decades or even centuries.”
But Sir David was disappointed that the report did not explicitly address the mathematical sciences in the context of science and engineering in government. He explained, “Mathematical sciences underpin all other science subjects, and developments in mathematical sciences often go hand in hand with advancements in engineering and in biological, chemical and physical sciences. The subject of this inquiry should be putting ‘STEM’ (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at the heart of government policy.”
- The Council for the Mathematical Sciences (CMS) was established in 2001 by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, the London Mathematical Society and the Royal Statistical Society to provide a forum for the three mathematical societies. Its purposes are:
- to be proactive in representing the interests of mathematics to government, research councils and other public bodies;
- to seek to promote good practice in the mathematics curriculum and its teaching and learning at all levels and in all sectors of education;
- to respond coherently and effectively to proposals from government and other public bodies which may affect the mathematical community;
- to work where relevant in consultation and co-operation with other bodies.
- The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) is the professional and learned society for qualified and practising mathematicians. Its mission is to promote mathematics in industry, business, the public sector, education and research. Founded in 1964, the Institute now has 5500 members.
- The London Mathematical Society (LMS) is a learned society founded in 1865 for the promotion and extension of all branches of mathematics. It is an independent and self-financing charity, with a membership of over 2600 drawn from all parts of the UK and overseas.
- The Royal Statistical Society (RSS), founded in 1834, is one of the UK’s oldest learned and professional societies, with some 7200 members based in the United Kingdom and overseas. The purpose of the Royal Statistical Society is to develop, foster and disseminate statistical knowledge, methodology and good practice for the benefit of all society.
- For further information contact:
Caroline Davis (Mathematics Promotion Unit) De Morgan House, 57-58 Russell Square, London WC1B 4HS. Tel: + 44 (0)20 7927 0804 caroline.davis@lms.ac.uk
