The Fellowship was announced today at an event at the Royal Society in London. The new Academy aims to place mathematics at the heart of national life and policymaking, bringing together experts from academia, education, business, industry and government to help tackle some of the UK’s biggest challenges.
Fellows include Fields Medallists, senior figures in national security, leading educators, and pioneers of artificial intelligence and machine learning. As CEO of National Numeracy, Sam Sims has led national efforts to improve adult numeracy, championing maths as an essential life skill that supports employability, wellbeing and economic growth. His appointment reflects the growing recognition of the role numeracy plays in strengthening individuals, communities and the wider economy.
The Fellows will continue in their existing roles while collaborating through the Academy on issues including pandemic preparedness, climate change, national security, economic transformation, and the safe development of AI and quantum technologies. They will also work to strengthen maths education and ensure curricula are fit for the future economy.
Professor Dame Alison Etheridge DBE FRS, President of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences, said:
“I’m delighted to welcome our inaugural Fellows — individuals of exceptional distinction who collectively advance the mathematical sciences through discovery, leadership, education and real-world application.”
Sam Sims said:
“I’m honoured to be appointed a Fellow of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences. Maths shapes so many aspects of our lives, from work and finances to health and everyday decision-making. I’m excited to work with Fellows from across sectors to ensure maths and especially numeracy help more people feel confident with numbers, so they can thrive in life, whatever their background."
