Special Interest Groups
Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
Discover Mathematics Transforming Industry, Society and Everyday Life
IMA Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are member-led communities that bring together mathematicians, data scientists, educators, researchers and professionals who share a common interest in a particular area of mathematics or its application. They provide a space for collaboration, discussion and knowledge exchange across sectors and career stages.
SIGs play an important role in strengthening connections across the mathematical sciences community. They help members explore emerging topics, share expertise, develop professional networks and create opportunities for collaboration between academia, industry, education and government.
Each SIG is shaped by its members and may organise a range of activities including workshops, seminars, webinars, conference sessions, panel discussions and publications. These activities complement the IMA's wider programme of conferences, branches, journals and professional development opportunities, allowing members to engage more deeply with subjects that matter to them.
The IMA is committed to fostering inclusive and welcoming communities. SIGs encourage participation from members with diverse backgrounds, experiences and career paths, creating opportunities for everyone with an interest in mathematics and its applications to contribute and benefit.
Whether your interests lie in artificial intelligence, data science, education, sustainability, healthcare, mathematical modelling, finance, defence, equity and inclusion, or another area where mathematics has impact, SIGs provide a platform to engage with peers, influence discussions and help shape future activity within the mathematical sciences community.
Get involved
- Join an existing SIG and connect with others who share your interests.
- Participate in events, discussions and collaborative projects.
- Propose a new SIG to explore an emerging area of mathematics or application.
- Help the IMA advance mathematics and its applications for the benefit of society.
Current SIGs
Mathematics of Articial Intelligence
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.
Climate, Environment and Sustainability
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.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
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.
SIGs in development
Mathematics and Education Special Interest Group
Defence and Security SIG Special Interest Group