The Council for the

Mathematical Sciences

The Council for the Mathematical Sciences:

Overview and Plans

David Wallace, ChairHoDoMS Annual Conference

Tuesday 3 April 2007

Secretariat: Martin SmithDe Morgan House57-58 Russell SquareLondonWC1B 4HSwww.cms.ac.uk

The Council for the

Mathematical Sciences

The Council for the Mathematical Sciences (CMS) is:

• a body comprising the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), the London Mathematical Society (LMS) and the Royal Statistical Society (RSS)

• a forum for the three mathematical societies to discuss and work together on issues of joint concern

• a mechanism for jointly representing the interest of mathematics to government, research councils and other public bodies

• a combined voice for the mathematical sciences community

The Council for the

Mathematical Sciences

Recent CMS developments:

• Independent Chair – David Wallace

• Part-time Secretariat – Martin Smith

• Permanent base at one address

• Development of CMS interaction with the mathematics community

• Formal objectives for the CMS

The Council for the

Mathematical Sciences

CMS Objectives (2006):

1. To provide an expert advisory group on matters affecting the mathematical sciences in higher education, research, business, industry and the public sector

2. To engage (proactively and responsively) with government and other decision-makers and to respond coherently and effectively to proposals in which the mathematical sciences have a role, or may be affected

3. To engage with funding agencies for higher education and research on maintaining and improving a strong mathematics base in the UK

The Council for the

Mathematical Sciences

CMS Objectives (2006):

4. To encourage the public’s appreciation of and engagement in mathematical sciences and their application, including activities to enthuse young people and demonstrate the role of the mathematical sciences in career options

5. To bring together the mathematical sciences community and facilitate communication between the community and other stakeholders to explore common issues and potential solutions

6. To promote good practice in mathematics education (including teaching, learning and the curriculum) at all levels and in all sectors of education, working as a complement to ACME in England

The Council for the

Mathematical Sciences

CMS–HoDoMS activities:

• Collaboration on consultation responses

• Annual CMS-HoDoMS survey of departments

• HE admissions data "Mathematical sciences" undergraduates - various definitions

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/2000 2000/2001 2001/2002 2002/2003 2003/2004

The Council for the

Mathematical Sciences

Other ongoing CMS Activities:

• Meetings with Secretaries of StateCharles Clarke (July 2004), Ruth Kelly (March 2006)

• Consultation responses and policy submissions

• Work with EPSRC:Quarterly meetings with the Mathematical Sciences Programme team, Annual Meeting with EPSRC Chief Executive, ‘Engaging Maths’ Showcase event, International Review of Mathematics

The Council for the

Mathematical Sciences

Other ongoing CMS Activities:

• Mathscareers Websitewww.mathscareers.org.uk

• Interaction with ACMEACME observer on CMS, CMS Secretariat observing termly ACME meetings with DfES

• ‘CMS Diary’An accessible account of recent CMS activities, made available at www.cms.ac.uk and appearing in the Society’s newsletters

The Council for the

Mathematical Sciences

Key issues and concerns:

• Regional provision of mathematics courses

• Proposed changes to mathematics GCSE

• Bologna Process - science community meeting

• Threats to mathematical sciences in HE

• Transitions into and out of post-16 mathematical study

• Development of CMS activities in Scotland – meetings with ministers, Chief Scientists etc.

• Engaging with other mathematical sciences bodies and stakeholder groups

The Council for the

Mathematical Sciences

Questions:

• What issues do Heads of Departments consider to be key?

• How can the CMS and HoDoMS work together on these issues?

• As part of the mathematical sciences community, do Heads of Departments feel informed of and involved with CMS activities?

• How might CMS engage with Heads of Departments and other stakeholder groups?