Published:
An internationally recognised institute for mathematical sciences has been awarded £5 million to enhance its impact and reach within the mathematical community.
The International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS), a joint venture between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh, has received the award from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
It will be used to help the institute foster collaborations between researchers, support equality and diversity initiatives and increase the impact of mathematical innovations.
The institute, based in the Bayes Centre at the University of Edinburgh, has close ties to the Maxwell Institute, which combines mathematical sciences research and graduate training at Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh.
Professor Bernd Schroers, Co-Chair of the ICMS Management Committee and Co-Director of the Maxwell Institute, said: “The International Centre for Mathematical Sciences has been operated jointly by Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh since 1990, and the additional £5M of EPSRC funding is another milestone in the universities' collaboration in the mathematical sciences.
“The planned expansion in the ICMS’s activities will be backed by the universities through a joint chair associated with the new full-time Directorship at the ICMS. “
The new funding will be used to assist with research-focussed activity at undergraduate, postgraduate and early career levels. It also allows the ICMS to run more ground-breaking research workshops across the UK to encourage widening participation and diversity. In addition, the financial support will be implemented by the ICMS to invest in schemes encouraging more people to pursue careers in mathematical research.
Professor Paul Glendinning, ICMS Scientific Director, said: “The new funding will help the mathematical sciences community to be the best that it can, and transform individual mathematician’s lives. We will continue to address inequality and create an inclusive environment in which all mathematical scientists are valued.”