King's College London

Researchers from the Department of Mathematics played a leading role in the launch of the UK’s first ever Maths Summit, a one-day summit bringing together leaders from academia, industry and politics to lay out how the mathematical sciences can contribute to a better future.

Across panel discussions and keynotes discussing the state of mathematics in the UK and how it could be better harnessed in policy, research and public life, Professor Rachel Bearon and post-graduate researcher in analytic number theory Sophie Maclean joined cross-sector experts to discuss the importance of the discipline.

Speakers included Michelle Donelan MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, President of the Royal Society Sir Adrian Smith and founder of Stemettes, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE.

The summit also saw the launch of the ‘Maths Manifesto’. A 7-page call to action for politicians to embrace the interdisciplinary applications of mathematics, the manifesto outlines how maths is integral to fostering innovation and solving some of humanity’s biggest challenges, from public health crises to climate change.

It also underlines the support in parliament necessary to ensure that the impact that foundational science can make can be felt by all, ranging from promoting mathematics to politicians, to campaigning for funding for mathematical research.

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences, Professor Bearon became involved in the summit through her association with the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences.

Reflecting on why it was necessary now, she said “Maths is beautiful and powerful. As mathematicians, we realise that our work is the glue that will help us tackle the world’s most challenging problems, from climate change to fairer AI. It’s on us to speak up and the Maths Summit and launch of the Maths Manifesto is a big part of that.

“Foundational science is vital to pushing the envelope on the discoveries of tomorrow and the economic progress of the future. To embed mathematics into areas of public life we need to break beyond disciplinary boundaries and explore the interface between not only maths and the wider sciences, but the world at large.”

Mathematician and science communicator Sophie Maclean was chosen to be a spokesperson for the summit, speaking on television and national radio about the importance of mathematics and how the government can support it.

“I think mathematics is hugely important in the world. At an individual level, being versed in maths and being numerate can help protect one from being taken in by lies and misinformation. It can help budget and with personal finances.

“I also personally want to make sure that everyone who wants to be a mathematician can achieve their goals. I think young women in particular fall due to lack of confidence and I hope that I can be a role model in showing them that they too can be a mathematician.”

Sophie is also an editor of the maths magazine Chalkdust, a regular contributor to the popular Numberphile YouTube channel and a speaker at maths public events across the UK.