On 12 March, Protect Pure Maths organised the first ever Maths Summit at the Science Museum in London, bringing together policymakers, businesses, and academics to discuss maths in a variety of contexts, including current and future challenges, maths in higher education, and innovative ways to use maths.
Hosted by Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, this unprecedented event was a huge success with attendees noting the importance of bringing the mathematical community together with industry and policymakers to chart a future for maths.
Panel sessions were held were held on a range of topical issues, including the role of mathematics in solving challenges and creating opportunities in the 21st century, and how young people can be equipped to thrive in an increasingly mathematical world.
Contributing to the latter session, Shadow Schools Minister Catherine McKinnell MP set out how Labour would tackle the issue of maths in schools being taught by non-expert maths teachers. She said: “Labour understands that improving teacher quality is essential to improving children’s outcomes so we would recruit over 6,500 new teachers to fill vacancies in our schools and re-establish teaching as a profession that is respected and valued as a skilled job.”
In addition to the range of panel discussions, Michele Donelan MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology delivered the first keynote speech. The Secretary of State detailed plans to boost the UK’s skill-base across key industries, including investing over £1 billion to train students in 65 Centres for Doctoral Training. She said: “By doubling down on our investments in skills and backing British business, we can lay the foundations for an economy fit for the future - an economy that creates jobs and improves lives for communities up and down the country. That is how we make our science and tech superpower mission a success.”
Anne Keast Butler, Director of GCHQ, also gave her first keynote speech as head of the British intelligence agency, emphasising the intrinsic relationship between mathematics research and the UK’s national security.
The resulting media coverage – which included mainstream television news, print, online, and radio – reached an audience of over 18 million and placed mathematics firmly on the map.
CaMS will build on the success of the Maths Summit and continue to champion the mathematical sciences ahead of the general election.