Frequently Asked Questions
What is pure maths?
Pure maths is a part of the continuum that encompasses all the mathematical sciences. While it can mean different things to different people, it is usually considered to involve studying foundational concepts, such as numbers or geometry.
Pure maths is not always studied with an application in mind, although discoveries in pure maths frequently lead to innovations in science and technology.
Many universities identify certain groups in their mathematics departments as ‘pure maths’ and others as ‘applied maths’ and ‘statistics’. We see these as distinctions rather than divisions, but they do reflect how academic departments tend to be organised.
Why did you start the Protect Pure Maths Campaign?
We started the campaign because pure maths is at risk from cuts. Three universities have recently considered cutting pure maths research. In 2021, the University of Leicester became the first to do so, cancelling all pure maths research and singling out pure mathematicians for redundancy.
There have been some positive developments in recent years, such as the extra £300m funding for mathematical sciences research. However, this follows a decade of cuts from 2010 to 2020, and it is important that we clarify how the funding will be spent and the timetable for this expenditure.
So, as well as protecting pure maths specifically, we want to ensure that maths is on the trajectory for the UK to remain a ‘maths superpower’. To achieve this, we will campaign for the mathematical sciences as a whole: pure, applied, statistics and everything in between.
What is the campaign trying to achieve?
Protect Pure Maths has four objectives. To achieve them, we work collaboratively within the mathematical sciences, across academia and industry, and in the UK’s parliaments.
To ensure that maths funding properly reflects the value of maths to society
To ensure that maths is represented and understood in the UK’s parliaments
To strengthen the voice of industry in maths policymaking
To stop any further cuts to pure maths in universities
Does the campaign only support Pure Maths?
We aim to advance all the mathematical sciences. Many of our objectives focus on maths as a whole, like ensuring that maths is adequately funded and properly represented in the UK’s parliaments. However, our immediate focus is on protecting pure maths because it has been singled out for cuts and continues to be at risk. This is where the name ‘Protect Pure Maths’ comes from.
We do not think that pure maths is superior to other branches of mathematics, but neither do we believe it is fair or sensible to single out pure maths for cuts. We are grateful that mathematicians from all backgrounds agree with us on this and are giving their support to the campaign.
Who is supporting the campaign?
Protect Pure Maths has been founded in partnership with the London Mathematical Society, a national learned society dedicated solely to mathematics.
The Campaign Steering Group includes representatives from the LMS, the IMA, different universities and industry. The secretariat support is from Connect Public Affairs.
We are proud to have received public statements of support from several mathematicians, as well as businesses, parliamentarians, universities and more.
You can find a list of our supporters here.
How can I get involved?
We welcome anyone who wants to work collaboratively to protect pure maths and advance the mathematical sciences in the UK. You might work in academia, industry or policy, or simply be someone who likes maths: we are keen to hear from you!
You can get involved in the campaign in various ways:
1) Sign up to our newsletter, which provides updates and ways to get involved.
2) Follow and engage with us on Twitter.
3) If you are a university or business that would like to feature as a supporter on our website, please email us.
How is the campaign funded?
Protect Pure Maths has been launched with a philanthropic donation from XTX Markets.
XTX Markets is a leading algorithmic trading company focused on mathematics and technology. XTX Markets is also a donor to several maths charities, including: UKMT, the Sutton Trust; Mathematics Mastery; King’s College London Maths School and other specialist maths sixth forms.
How do I contact the campaign?
Please get in touch with us at: puremaths@connectpa.co.uk