Joint EPSRC and Council for the Mathematical Sciences Press Release - Why Maths Matters
Media Release 21 February 2007
Invitation for journalists
Wednesday 28th February 2007
Engaging Maths
Terrace Reception,
House of Commons,
12:15 – 14:00
An opportunity to find out how mathematicians are:
Improving air travel safety
Cutting carbon dioxide emissions
Making online shopping safer and quicker
Combating credit card fraud
and enhancing the UK economy and society in general.
These are just some of the areas where mathematics has a direct impact on our lives and in many cases, is the key to addressing and solving the complex challenges facing society today.
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Council for the Mathematical Sciences are holding a showcase event to highlight the latest UK research in mathematics, covering areas as diverse as security, finance, the environment and transport.
“From credit cards to the internet and medical screening to aircraft scheduling, mathematics touches on so many aspects of our lives,” said MP Anne Snelgrove, who is hosting the event at the House of Commons. ”The mathematical research that EPSRC supports is fundamental to the future of the UK as a high-technology nation. As well as showcasing some fantastic research we also want to inspire a new generation of mathematicians.”
The event will include keynote speeches from Sir David Brown, Chairman of Motorola and Lord William Waldegrave of UBS. There will also be an opportunity to discuss the research with the academics whose work is being presented.
Notes for Editors:
Four detailed case studies on the areas highlighted above are available from the EPSRC Press Office (e-mail: natasha.richardson@epsrc.ac.uk).
To attend the event, please reply to this e-mail with the following details:
Name:
Organisation:
Contact e-mail:
Contact telephone number:
Places are limited and will be reserved on a first to reply basis.
Event Programme:
12.30 Introduction and Welcome from Anne Snelgrove (MP for South Swindon)
12.35 Dr Randal Richards, Interim Chief Executive of EPSRC
12.40 Keynote speech 1: Sir David Brown, Chairman of Motorola
12.50 Keynote speech 2: Lord William Waldegrave (UBS)
13.00 – 14.00 Networking session and opportunity to discuss the presented research with the academics whose work it is.
There will be a brochure launched at the event, called Engaging Maths. This brochure has 22 case studies of EPSRC-supported research in the mathematical sciences, covering the following seven areas: security, medicine and biology, telecommunications and the internet, environment, finance and economics, industry, transport and travel.
Directions to the venue can be found at: http://www.parliament.uk/commons/lib/colmap.pdf
(Nearest tube: Westminster - Circle, District and Jubilee lines)
Further information on UBS can be found here: http://www.ubs.com/. Further information on Motorola can be found here: http://www.motorola.com/uk/.
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.
The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) 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.
The London Mathematical Society (LMS) is a learned society founded in 1865 for the promotion and extension of all branches of mathematics. It is an independent and self-financing charity, with a membership of over 2600 drawn from all parts of the UK and overseas.
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.
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 is investing £650 million this 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. Website address for more information on EPSRC: www.epsrc.ac.uk/
For more information contact:
Natasha Richardson, EPSRC Press Office, Tel: 01793 444404, E-mail: natasha.richardson@epsrc.ac.uk
