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.

Get in touch about 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.

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.
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 meeting 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 and practice.
  • 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.
  • Leading, co-organising and supporting CES-related activities, solo or in partnership, including research, training and social events
SIGs in development

Mathematics and Education Special Interest Group

Defence and Security SIG Special Interest Group