Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

IMA Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are member‑led communities that bring people together around shared interests in mathematics and its applications. They provide a practical, welcoming way for members to connect, exchange ideas and develop activities focused on specific topics, sectors or challenges.

SIGs play an important role in how the IMA supports its members and delivers public benefit. They help create spaces where mathematicians from academia, industry, education, government and beyond can come together to share expertise, explore new ideas and build professional networks. Whether your interest lies in cutting‑edge research, professional practice, education, or real‑world impact, SIGs offer a way to get involved and shape activity in areas that matter to you.

A key aim of SIGs is to support discussion and learning around issues where mathematics makes a real difference. This includes major societal challenges such as climate and environmental sustainability, artificial intelligence, health and disease modelling, defence and security, and equity, diversity and inclusion. Through events, meetings and collaborative work, SIGs help highlight the value of mathematics in addressing complex problems and informing decision‑making.

SIG activities can take many forms, including meetings, seminars, workshops, webinars, conference sessions and written outputs. They complement the IMA’s wider programme of branches, conferences, journals and publications, while allowing members to explore topics in more depth and connect with others who share similar interests.

The IMA is committed to creating inclusive, supportive communities. SIGs are encouraged to reflect the diversity of the mathematical sciences community and to welcome participation from members at different career stages and across a wide range of backgrounds.

Whether you have an idea for a new SIG, or would like to join an existing one, SIGs offer an opportunity to contribute, collaborate and help shape the future of mathematics and its applications within the IMA.

Get in touch regarding SIG activities

Propose a new SIG (MS Form link)

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Special Interest Group

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications provides a dedicated platform for exploring how mathematical sciences can both inform and be shaped by issues of equity, diversity and inclusion.

The group has a dual focus. Firstly, it seeks to support the mathematical sciences community itself by addressing barriers to participation, progression and recognition across education, research and professional practice. Secondly, it aims to demonstrate how mathematical thinking, modelling and analysis can be applied to wider societal EDI challenges, including those relating to policy, decision-making and systems design.

In this sense, the EDI SIG is intentionally cross-cutting. It complements the work of other IMA Special Interest Groups by bringing an EDI lens to areas such as artificial intelligence, health, climate and industry, helping to ensure that questions of fairness, access and representation are embedded within technical and applied work rather than treated as an afterthought.

Planned activities include a regular online seminar series (“Mathematics for EDI”), the development of evidence-based responses to consultations and public enquiries, and the creation of a curated library of research, tools and policy materials. The group will also engage with external stakeholders, including other learned societies, policymakers and industry partners, to contribute to informed debate and practical change.

The SIG is open to all IMA members with an interest in these issues, whether from academia, industry, education or the public sector. It will be particularly relevant to those interested in applying mathematical approaches to real-world societal challenges, as well as those seeking to support a more inclusive and representative profession.
We are currently in the process of establishing our initial workstreams and welcome expressions of interest from members who would like to contribute to research, policy development or engagement activities. As the group develops, we expect to introduce additional ways for members to stay connected, including updates via IMA channels and dedicated communications for the SIG.

 

Subscribe for updates:

  1. Log into myIMA
  2. Click on ‘me and the IMA’
  3. Click on ‘My subscriptions’
  4. Subscribe to ‘’Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Special Interest Group’

 

Mathematics of AI (MAI) Special Interest Group

The MAI SIG champions the essential role of mathematics at the heart of artificial intelligence—from theoretical foundations to real‑world applications. The group promotes rigorous, responsible, and interpretable AI by bringing mathematicians together with researchers, practitioners, and educators working across data science, optimisation, modelling, ethics, and more.

At its core, the SIG aims to deepen understanding of the mathematics that underpins AI systems, drive forward new research directions, and ensure that mathematical sciences remain central to the development of reliable, transparent, and efficient AI technologies. It also supports educators with resources and inspiration for teaching the maths–AI interface.

Key areas of activity include:

  • Hosting an AI Congress (biennial) and regular workshops for educators, students, and practitioners.
  • Running SIG meetings every six weeks and maintaining an online portal of mathematical AI resources.
  • Leading research and thought‑leadership through literature reviews, problem‑scoping exercises, and the development of new mathematical frameworks for AI.
  • Offering impartial mathematical advice on AI to industry, regulators, and government.
  • Supporting IMA consultation responses and contributing to Mathematics Today through articles and discussions.

 

Subscribe for updates:

  1. Log into myIMA
  2. Click on ‘me and the IMA’
  3. Click on ‘My subscriptions’
  4. Subscribe to ‘’Mathematics of AI (MAI) Special Interest Group’

Climate, Environment & Sustainability (CES) Special Interest Group

The CES SIG provides a collaborative forum for IMA members working on or interested in the mathematical dimensions of climate science, environmental systems, and sustainability. The group seeks to unite the mathematical sciences community around global environmental challenges by promoting research, knowledge exchange, and public engagement.

Led by a diverse, rotating Leadership Committee, the SIG contributes to strategic direction, supports IMA consultation responses, and helps ensure that mathematics plays a central role in understanding climate systems, informing policy, and advancing sustainable solutions.

Key areas of activity include:

  • Hosting an annual open CES conference and contributing at least two articles per year to Mathematics Today.
  • Advising on external consultations, producing reports, and engaging with UK and international sustainability groups (e.g., SIAM, EGU, CliMathNet).
  • Launching prizes, grants, and initiatives that celebrate excellence in climate‑related mathematical research.
  • Maintaining a CES mailing list and gathering community input through surveys and event feedback.
  • Leading topical initiatives, such as thematic journal issues or public lectures on climate and sustainability.

Sign up for Climate SIG Updates

To subscribe:

  1. Log into myIMA
  2. Click on ‘me and the IMA’
  3. Click on ‘My subscriptions’
  4. Subscribe to ‘Climate Special Interest Group – Newsletter’

Mathematics and Education SIG – currently in development

 

For updates please sign up for the email list:

To subscribe:

  1. Log into myIMA
  2. Click on ‘me and the IMA’
  3. Click on ‘My subscriptions’
  4. Subscribe to ‘Mathematics Education Special Interest Group’
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Featured Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

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