Mathematical sciences institutes receive funding boost

Three of the UK’s leading research institutes will receive funding to widen access to mathematical sciences and support training

A total of £35 million will be allocated to the Isaac Newton Institute (INI), the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS) and the Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research (HIMR) over a five year period.

The funding will be delivered by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, and the Royal Society over a five year period.

The investment is providing a significant boost to the UK’s world-leading mathematical sciences community, increasing support and increasing the pool of mathematicians.

EPSRC Executive Chair, Professor Dame Lynn Gladden, said:

“The Isaac Newton Institute, the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences and the Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research are internationally respected, flagship investments in the UK’s mathematical sciences community.

“This funding will support them to continue providing high quality research and knowledge exchange activities.

“It will also enable the Isaac Newton Institute and the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences to increase participation across the UK and further promote engagement with mathematical sciences communities around the world.”

Professor Geoffrey Grimmett, Chair of the HIMR, said:

“This very substantial grant will allow us to expand HIMR’S central role as a national institute dedicated to the development of excellence across UK mathematics.

“The award is a far-sighted recognition by Government of the importance of fundamental research, and it will support large cohorts of students and fellows as they build scientific careers and, in turn, foster future generations.”

INI Director, Professor David Abrahams said:

“It’s recognised that mathematics is experiencing a golden age. When INI launched its first research programmes in 1992, machine learning and Artificial Intelligence were emerging fields. Now they underpin much of modern society.

“Likewise number theory has proved itself key in the subject of cyber security. Consequently, there’s a greater understanding throughout society of the power of mathematics to aid mankind in all its endeavours and to help save it.

“Climate change and the Coronavirus pandemic are two such examples of this. With these additional resources, INI will help ensure that the UK is at the nexus of foundational and applied cutting-edge mathematical sciences research in the coming decades.”

ICMS Scientific Director, Professor Paul Glendinning said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity to maximise the impact of the investment in research in the mathematical sciences and the people who do this research. Their work makes a major contribution to the international scientific reputation of the UK and to the UK economy.

The additional funding will give us the means to set agendas and to increase the engagement of the mathematical sciences community with other disciplines to make intellectual progress and to address societal challenges.”