International Review of Mathematics

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TOP MATHEMATICIANS TO ASSESS UK MATHS RESEARCH

Media release
3 June 2003 (For immediate release)

How does research in mathematics and statistics in the UK compare with the rest of the world? In which areas is the UK a world leader? Is the UK developing a new generation of strong, young researchers to maintain the maths and statistics research base in the future?

These are the issues that will be addressed by a 13-person Panel of top international mathematicians who will visit the UK in December this year to undertake an independent review of UK research in mathematics and statistics.

The International Review of Mathematics is being organised by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the leading mathematical societies – the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), the London Mathematical Society (LMS) and the Royal Statistical Society (RSS).

The International Panel will be chaired by Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, Director of the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHES), France, which is one of the world’s leading centres for mathematical research. Professor Bourguignon is also a Director of Research in the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and is a former President of the European Mathematical Society.

The full membership of the International Panel is:

• Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, IHES, France.
• Michel Broué, Institut Henri Poincaré, France.
• Stephen Davis, Northwestern University, USA.
• Don Dawson, Carleton University, Canada .
• Robbert Dijkgraaf, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Ron Graham, University of California, San Diego, USA.
• John Guckenheimer, Cornell University, USA.
• Peter Hall FRS, Australian National University, Australia.
• Steffen Lauritzen, Aalborg University, Denmark.
• Susan Murphy, University of Michigan, USA.
• Hans Othmer, University of Minnesota, USA.
• Peter Sarnak FRS, Princeton University, USA.
• Margaret Wright, New York University, USA.

The Review, which will take place from Monday 1 December to Saturday 6 December 2003, will include visits throughout the UK, enabling the Panel to talk to researchers and students to gain a broad appreciation of the work being done here.

The Chairman of the International Review Steering Group, Professor Martin Taylor FRS, said “Progress in Mathematics underpins the UK’s success in science, engineering and the social sciences. Traditionally we have led the world in many areas of mathematics. The Review will provide the UK with an objective assessment of its current strengths, and indicate what is needed to maintain and enhance our world position. We are delighted to have such an eminent panel of mathematicians and statisticians covering most areas of the discipline. The Review will help both the mathematics community and the Research Councils set their plans and priorities for the future.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors

1. The International Review of Mathematics is the sixth review being undertaken by EPSRC in association with the relevant subject societies. Previous reviews have covered: Engineering Science, Physics and Astronomy, Computer Science, Materials Science and Chemistry.

2. An International Review Steering Group is overseeing the Review. It is composed of:

• Professor Martin Taylor, FRS (UMIST; Chairman),
• Professor Nigel Hitchin, FRS (Oxford University; nominated by the LMS),
• Professor Tim Pedley, FRS (Cambridge University; IMA),
• Professor Bernard Silverman, FRS (Bristol University; RSS),
• Professor John O’Reilly (Chief Executive, EPSRC).

The Secretariat is being provided by the London Mathematical Society – see below for contacts.

3. The terms of reference for the Review are:
To assess the standing and potential of mathematics research in UK universities and comparable institutions, in comparison with international work in the field. The Review should look at the width and quality of all aspects of research in mathematics and its applications, encompassing all of pure and applied mathematics, and statistics.

4. The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications is the professional and learned society for qualified and practising mathematicians. Its mission is to promote mathematics in industry, business, the public sector, education and research. Founded in 1964, the Institute now has 5500 members. Ten percent of members live outside the United Kingdom. Forty percent of members are employed in education (schools through to universities), and the other 60% work in commercial and governmental organisations. In 1990 the Institute was incorporated by Royal Charter and was subsequently granted the right to award chartered mathematician status.

5. The London Mathematical Society is the UK's learned society for mathematics. Founded in 1865 for the promotion and extension of mathematical knowledge, the Society is concerned with all branches of mathematics and its applications. It is an independent and self-financing charity, with a membership of over 2600 drawn from all parts of the UK and overseas. Its principal activities are the organisation of meetings and conferences, the publication of periodicals and books, the provision of financial support for mathematical activities, and the contribution to public debates on issues related to mathematics research and education. It works collaboratively with other mathematical bodies worldwide. It is the UK adhering body to the International Mathematical Union and is a member of the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, which comprises the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, the Royal Statistical Society together with the London Mathematical Society.

6. Founded in 1834, the Royal Statistical Society is one of the world's leading statistical societies, and one of the UK's oldest professional societies. It publishes the Journal of the Royal Statistical Society; and awards the professional qualification of Chartered Statistician (CStat) to those who meet its stringent criteria for academic achievement and professional experience in statistics.

7. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the UK’s main agency for funding research in engineering and the physical sciences. The EPSRC invests more than £400 million a year in research and postgraduate training, to help the nation handle the next generation of technological change. The areas covered range from information technology to structural engineering, and mathematics to materials science. This research forms the basis for future economic development in the UK and improvements for everyone’s health, lifestyle and culture. EPSRC also actively promotes public awareness of science and engineering. EPSRC works alongside other Research Councils with responsibility for other areas of research. The Research Councils work collectively on issues of common concern via Research Councils UK.

8. The Council for the Mathematical Sciences (CMS) was established in 2001 by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, the London Mathematical Society and the Royal Statistical Society to provide a forum for the three mathematical societies. Its purposes are:

• to be proactive in representing the interests of mathematics to government, research councils and other public bodies;
• to seek to promote good practice in the mathematics curriculum and its teaching and learning at all levels and in all sectors of education;
• to respond coherently and effectively to proposals from government and other public bodies which may affect the mathematical community;
• to work where relevant in consultation and co-operation with other bodies

9. For further information contact:

• Martin Taylor (Chairman of the Steering Group) – 0161 200 3640
• Peter Cooper (Secretariat, LMS) − De Morgan House, 57–58 Russell Square, London WC1B 4HS – 020 7291 9970.