The role of mathematics in everyday life often goes unnoticed, but its importance and reach affect the here and now, as well as the future of our country. I believe now is the time for the government to introduce a national strategy for mathematics – something I called for recently when I led a Westminster Hall debate on the contribution of maths to the UK.
A national strategy for mathematics would provide a coherent framework to support mathematical talent from primary school through to the frontiers of research.
It would demonstrate that the government truly understands the role of mathematical thinking in securing our national security and future prosperity. After all, mathematical sciences contribute £495 billion to our economy, as well as providing the power behind a host of conveniences we all take for granted, including contactless payments – built on centuries-old algorithms – and the smartphones we carry in our pockets.
Mathematical sciences are central to cryptography and the cybersecurity that increasingly defines modern defence. Cheltenham’s GCHQ remains one of the country’s largest employers of mathematicians. Satellite technology crucial to our defence relies on mathematics, and as the recent government Strategic Defence Review highlighted, cyber warfare is fought with algorithms and equations. Mathematics underpins the technologies that will shape the future of warfare – quantum computing and AI among them.
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But mathematics extends well beyond the realm of defence. It is woven into everyday life in ways we often don’t see.
Mathematics enabled the modelling of the Covid pandemic, guiding the epidemiology behind lifesaving vaccines. Climate science draws on mathematics to understand global warming and develop solutions. GPS and Wi-Fi both rely on advanced algorithms, and the CGI that brings Toy Story’s Woody and Buzz to life depends on linear algebra and topology – complex mathematics behind every animated frame.
Artificial Intelligence too, is fundamentally grounded in mathematics. The government’s enthusiasm for AI is welcome. Success in this area could indeed mean greater prosperity and security.
However, a gap seems to exist between the government’s ambitions and its appreciation of the mathematical foundations making them possible. As mathematician Marcus du Sautoy put it, “The UK government wants a Ferrari but doesn’t want to buy the fuel that drives it.”
Recent decisions cast doubt on the long-term vision. Funding has been discontinued for the Academy of Mathematical Sciences. The exascale computer project planned for Edinburgh has seen its funding downgraded and there is uncertainty around the timescale. The Advanced Mathematics Support Programme – key to developing talented young mathematicians – has faced significant cuts.
Meanwhile, mathematics provision is being reduced or shut down in universities across the UK. These closures create ‘maths deserts’, limiting access for young people eager to pursue their mathematical potential.
Post-1992 universities are especially affected. These institutions play a key role in training mathematics teachers. Seventeen per cent of mathematics graduates from them go on to teach – far above the five per cent from Russell Group universities. When these departments close, we don’t just lose degrees – we lose future teachers.
Still, there are solutions. The Campaign for Mathematical Sciences’ Maths Degrees for the Future initiative has shown that targeted grants can help universities reimagine their mathematics provision and promote the range of careers the subject can lead to. But scattered efforts, no matter how positive, won’t meet the scale of the challenge.
I was proud to lead this parliament’s first debate on this key area, but words alone won’t safeguard our mathematical future. The UK has the talent and expertise to remain a world leader in the mathematical sciences. The government must now demonstrate its commitment to the numbers that count.
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