Three Heriot-Watt professors among first Fellows of Academy for the Mathematical Sciences

Professors Andrew Cairns and Minhyong Kim from the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences (MACS) at Heriot-Watt University, as well as MACS Visiting Professor, Eugenie Hunsicker, have been selected for the inaugural cohort of Fellows of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences. The new national body announced the appointments in London today.

The Academy aims to bring together the UK’s leading mathematicians across academia, education, business, industry, and government. Its fellows include recipients of the Fields Medal - the mathematics equivalent of a Nobel Prize, experts from the UK’s codebreaking centre and Google DeepMind, as well as maths teachers and science communicators.

This initiative places “maths at the heart of national life and policy making”, according to the Academy. Fellows will collaborate to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges, from pandemic preparedness to economic transformation, national security, and responsible AI.

Professor Andrew Cairns is Director of the Duncan Laboratory for Insurance Data Science and a specialist in actuarial mathematics, financial risk management, and mortality and health inequalities. As a Fellow he plans to boost the links between mathematical scientists in academia and industry.

He said: “It is a tremendous honour to be appointed among the first Fellows of the Academy of Mathematical Sciences. I’m delighted to contribute to a collective effort that will strengthen the role of mathematical thinking in addressing the complex challenges facing society today.”

Minhyong Kim is the Director of the International Centre for Mathematics Sciences and is jointly employed by the University of Edinburgh as the Edmund Whittaker Professor of Mathematical Sciences. His research focus is number theory and mathematical physics, with an emphasis on topological quantum field theory.

Acknowledging the honour of being selected, Professor Kim said: “I will try my best to support the work of the Academy in service of the mathematical community.”

Eugenie Hunsiker is Lead Data Scientist at The Access Group. Previously an academic, Eugenie recently embarked on a new career path using data to tackle big problems. She is a strong advocate for women in mathematics and has produced videos and articles on the subject. At Heriot-Watt, Dr Hunsiker provides input on MACS industrial strategy.

“Their election reflects not only their individual excellence but also the strength and ambition of our School’s research community,” added Professor Sara Lombardo, Executive Dean of Heriot-Watt's School of Mathematics and Computer Sciences and an Executive Member of the Academy.

“This honour highlights the vital role our mathematicians play in shaping the future of the discipline and contributing to scientific progress across the UK. I am delighted to see the first cohort of Fellows, a very important milestone on the Academy journey.”

The mathematical sciences at Heriot-Watt University combine with the School of Mathematics and the University of Edinburgh to form the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences. Three further inaugural fellows of the Academy within the Maxwell Institute have been appointed at the University of Edinburgh.

Professor Dame Alison Etheridge DBE FRS, the Academy’s founding President, 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.”