The Council for the Mathematical Sciences (CMS) and the Heads of Departments of Mathematical Sciences (HoDoMS) note with regret the decision, recently announced by the Chief Executive of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) Craig Mahoney, to close the HEA’s 24 Subject Centres, and in particular the Subject Centre for Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research (MSOR).
During its existence the MSOR Subject Centre has been and continues to be recognised by the university mathematics, statistics and operational research community as an extremely valuable contributor to improving teaching and the student experience. Widely appreciated initiatives have included the new lecturer course, postgraduate tutor training days and dissemination of good practice through the periodical MSOR Connections, and an annual conference.
The CMS and HoDoMS support the HEA’s commitment to maintaining its subject and discipline level work and would welcome the opportunity to work with the HEA to shape its subject level services in its new structure. The CMS and HoDoMS also hope that the HEA will use senior figures from within the mathematical sciences community to help it deliver its future agenda in MSOR.
Dr Neil Challis, Chair of the MSOR Advisory Panel, commented, “We are sad to hear of the loss of the MSOR Subject Centre, and very anxious to understand what discipline focused support can be saved”.
Professor Frank Kelly FRS, Chair of the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, added that, “The Council for the Mathematical Sciences, representing the main UK mathematical societies, regrets the loss of the Subject Centre for Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research, which had been responsible for widely appreciated initiatives such as the new lecturer course. The CMS hopes to work with the Higher Education Academy’s new structure to further improve teaching quality in Mathematics.”
Ends
Notes for Editors
1. The Council for the Mathematical Sciences (CMS) provides an authoritative and objective body that exists to develop, influence and respond to UK policy issues that affect the mathematical sciences in higher education and research, and therefore the UK economy and society in general. The CMS was established in 2001 by the Institute of Mathematics and its applications (IMA), the London Mathematical Society (LMS) and the Royal Statistical Society (RSS). In 2008 the Edinburgh Mathematical Society (EMS) and the Operational Research Society (ORS) became members of the CMS, providing the CMS with a broader view across mathematical sciences and throughout the UK.
2. The London Mathematical Society (LMS) 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.
3. The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) is the learned and professional society for mathematics. It promotes mathematics research, education and careers, and the use of mathematics in business, industry and commerce. Amongst its activities the IMA produces academic journals, organises conferences, and engages with government. Founded in 1964, the Institute has 5000 members. Forty percent of members are employed in education (schools through to universities), and the other 60% work in commercial, industrial and governmental organisations. In 1990 the Institute was incorporated by Royal Charter and was subsequently granted the right to award Chartered Mathematician designation.
4. The Royal Statistical Society (RSS), founded in 1834, is one of the UK’s oldest learned and professional societies, with some 7200 members based in the United Kingdom and overseas. The purpose of the Royal Statistical Society is to develop, foster and disseminate statistical knowledge, methodology and good practice for the benefit of all society.
5. The Heads of Departments of Mathematical Sciences (HoDoMS) is the body that represents UK departments of Mathematics and Statistics by coordinating senior members of these departments.
6. Contact:
Dr Neil Challis
Chair of the MSOR Advisory Panel
Tel: +44 (0)114 225 3269
Mobile: 07771565322
Email: N.Challis@shu.ac.uk
Dr John Johnston
Mathematics Promotion Unit
London Mathematical Society
De Morgan House
57–58 Russell Square
London WC1B 4HS.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7927 0804
Email: john.johnston@lms.ac.uk
Institute of Mathematics and its Applications
Catherine Richards House, 16 Nelson Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex. SS1 1EF
www.ima.org.uk
London Mathematical Society
De Morgan House, 57-58 Russell Square, London. WC1B 4HS
www.lms.ac.uk
