Campaign for Mathematical Sciences (CaMS)

Following significant cuts to teaching staff last year, CaMS has learned that Birkbeck, University of London no longer offers maths degree courses. President of the London Mathematical Society Professor Jens Marklof responds to the news below.

Last week we brought members of the maths community to Parliament to mark Maths Week England. Joined by new and returning MPs, the expo provided an important opportunity to highlight the contribution of maths to innovation and prosperity. From lab-grown fat to AI, and gaming to climate modelling, our diverse exhibitors demonstrated how maths is helping them make advancements in their fields and brought maths to life for attendees.

CaMS spokesperson Marcus du Sautoy has been interviewed by the New Statesman in which he discusses the links between maths and theatre, as well as the current threats to maths teaching. Du Sautoy describes the impact of maths department closures on the pipeline of maths teachers, noting the increasing number of non-specialist teachers in schools. Du Sautoy also expresses his disappointment over the government's decision to cancel funding to establish a new National Academy for Mathematical Sciences. "If you let people cut out maths, you’re not going to have the tools to be able to make the next big fundamental step.” Read the full article below. https://lnkd.in/eZNASGui

Earlier today the Campaign for Mathematical Sciences brought the maths community together for a parliamentary expo to mark Maths Week England. Kindly hosted by Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee and CaMS supporter Chi Onwurah MP, the event invited academia and industry to engage with policymakers and highlight cutting-edge applications of maths. We also heard speeches from Heilbronn Institute Chair Professor Catherine Hobbs CMath FIMA FRSA, Liberal Democrat Universities and Skills spokesperson Ian Sollom MP, Professor Aoife Hunt MBE and Shadow Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Dr Ben Spencer. #MathsWeekEngland

Professor Jens Marklof responds to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' first Budget Statement.

The Academy for the Mathematical Sciences has today published a new report which found the mathematical sciences contributed an exceptional £495 billion to the UK economy in 2023. Other key findings include: ✅ Mathematical science occupations constituted 13% of UK employment. ✅ Salaries in mathematical science occupations were 24% higher than the UK average. ✅ Workers in mathematical science occupations were 58% more productive than the UK average. This research underlines the significant economic contribution of maths to the UK economy and the need to embed policy that maximises its value. Read the full report below 👇

🚨 New supporter alert 🚨 We are pleased to welcome Dr Emma Horton as our latest CaMS supporter. “It never ceases to amaze me how an abstract area of mathematics can lead to meaningful and impactful results in industry and applications. From dose verification in radiotherapy to predicting the survival of a species, mathematics is an intrinsic part of every day life, and is becoming more and more important as we face more complex challenges.” We look forward to working with Emma and the rest of the community to champion the mathematical sciences.

We are pleased to announce that the call for proposals for Maths Degrees for the Future Grants is now open. CaMS is inviting applications from UK higher education institutions to design and implement new, innovative degree programmes in the mathematical sciences. These can range from interventions in existing programmes to major collaborations between several institutions and/or subject areas. Successful applicants will receive up to £500,000. Learn more about the project and the call for proposals here: https://lnkd.in/eiWcbZy6

🚨 New supporter alert 🚨 We are pleased to announce that the University of Birmingham is the latest institution to support the Campaign for Mathematical Sciences. "The Mathematical Sciences have the power to make foundational discoveries, fascinating in their own right, and to deliver transformative applications across industry, medicine, policy and more. "The University of Birmingham believes that they are key to promoting economic growth, productivity and innovation, not only through research that enhances our understanding of the world, but also by training graduates with the skills and knowledge needed by society. The University of Birmingham is, therefore, delighted to join the Campaign for Mathematical Sciences and fully supports its mission."

The Government has today confirmed that £6 million of grant funding to establish a new National Academy focused on mathematical sciences has been withdrawn. President of the London Mathematical Society Professor Jens Marklof responds to the decision below.