About Us
The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) exists to support the advancement of mathematical knowledge and its applications and to promote and enhance mathematical culture in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, for the public good. It is the professional and learned society for qualified and practising mathematicians, with a membership of over 5,600 comprising of mathematicians from all sectors, including business, industry, government, academia and education, as well as those with an interest in mathematics and its applications.
The IMA is a charity for public benefit and our charity registration number is 1017777.
Our Royal Charter sets the IMA’s Object(ive)s as:
- to advance mathematics and its applications in all areas including commerce, engineering, finance, health, industry, scientific and other academic disciplines and the public sector and to promote and foster research and other enquiries directed to the advancement, teaching and application of mathematics for the public benefit;
- to seek to establish and maintain high standards of professional conduct for Corporate Members;
- to seek to promote, encourage and guide in the development of education and training in all matters relevant to the advancement of mathematics and its applications for members and all other persons who are engaged in or likely to be engaged in mathematics or its applications.
Through volunteers drawn from our large network of members, supported by a dedicated staff team, we deliver a wide range of activities in support of our Mission. Our five-year strategy, published in December 2023, is built around our Mission.
Advancing the Mathematics Profession and Achieving our Mission
The IMA will play a major role in advancing mathematics and its applications and maintaining high standards of professional conduct. We will promote and guide education and training standards and support activities to attract and retain today’s and tomorrow’s mathematical scientists. We will develop our EDI strategy to create an inclusive culture within the IMA and across the mathematics and its applications community.
Securing a Sustainable IMA Future
We will modernise the governance model and infrastructure which underpin our services to the mathematics community to ensure they are fit for the future. We will monitor existing, and create new, revenue streams and encourage a collaborative working culture. We will develop policies around environmental sustainability and social inclusivity while ensuring we have the right digital tools and systems to deliver our services safely and securely. Our activities will ensure the IMA remains a natural home for all those interested in mathematics and its applications, providing both local support through the branches, and targeted expertise through mentoring and special interest groups.
Showcase and Develop Mathematics for Societal Challenges
The IMA will foster and facilitate debate, discussion and learned output on key topics which affect society and the mathematical sciences community. This includes thought leadership and knowledge sharing on grand challenges where mathematical sciences will play a major role in shaping solutions, such as Climate Change, Artificial Intelligence and Disease Modelling. We will convene Special Interest Groups to develop these activities, building on our successful conference programme, journals and publications, and through new engagement opportunities including training, workshops, podcasts and digital content.
Examples of how we deliver our strategic aims include:
- Providing the Chartered Mathematician and Chartered Mathematics Teacher designations and promoting professional competence and CPD for registrants.
- Increasing local engagement through the branches, and targeted expertise through the introduction of peer-based mentoring.
- Creating new opportunities for public understanding through lectures, conferences, workshops, seminars, podcasts, videos and events.
- Demonstrating the ability of mathematics and mathematicians to support decision making, business and public policy.
- Harnessing and expanding our links with universities, research institutes and mathematical organisations in UK and overseas, providing opportunities to share good practice, deliver joint events and enhance reciprocal agreements.
- Inspiring the next generation through targeted activities and events which robustly challenge maths stereotypes and share the experiences of our members with new audiences.
