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Mathematics at Leicester: Letter to Professor Canagarajah

Published: 11th March, 2021

Screen grab of Institute of Mathematics webpage

Letter sent from Dr Nira Chamberlain, president of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.

You can also read the letter here in the context of other University of Leicester mathematics-related events and news.

The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) exists to support the advancement of mathematical knowledge and its applications and to promote and enhance mathematical culture in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, for the public good.

It is the IMA’s experience that good research and good teaching are inseparable. For students to be taught by those in active research in an area they find stimulating promotes the excitement and excellence of mathematics as a subject to the next generation.

The REF exercise has ably reinforced that mathematics is a single subject, and it has also provided evidence that excellence in applications is inextricably linked to excellence in all areas of mathematics.  The IMA, in collaboration with the LMS, has experience of developing connections between “pure” and “applied” areas to promote modern applications.

In addition, the Deloitte report showed the importance of excellence in mathematics research to the UK economy.

If the University of Leicester is wishing its thriving mathematics department to promote excellence in teaching and modern applications, it is important to recognise the importance of pure mathematics in modern applications.

Dr Nira Chamberlain, IMA President

4 February 2021