First ever parliamentary debate on mathematics

The UK Government further fuelled mathematicians’ worries that promised research funding will not be delivered during the first-ever parliamentary debate dedicated to mathematics during Maths Week England.

The debate, prompted by Protect Pure Maths, was tabled by Sir Stephen Timms MP and was titled ‘Mathematical Sciences: Contribution to Society’.

During the debate, Sir Stephen expressed both the utility and the beauty of mathematics. He highlighted multiple case studies provided by our supporters and prominent mathematicians, including how mathematics has been used to improve energy generation and storage, build resilience against extreme flood events and even to design an effective auction system for carbon permits. His speech showcased some of the many contributions made by the discipline and highlighted the work of the campaign several times.

Sir Stephen Timms mentioned the Protect Pure Maths campaign in the debate. He called on the government to deliver on it’s promise and provide the remaining £176 million and to launch a strategy for maths. This would “strengthen UK leadership and equip us to compete in a global economy”.

Nick Gibb MP, the Minister for Schools, responded on behalf of the Government. He acknowledged the importance of mathematics, saying:

“Mathematical sciences are fundamental to our success as a nation. A deep mathematical and scientific knowledge and understanding is a necessary element of everyday life, but is increasingly required in more and more occupations and higher education courses—not just in the sciences but the social sciences and humanities.”

However, when questioned about #MathsMissingMillions, the Minister was not forthcoming about the remainder of the £300m for research into mathematical sciences promised in 2020. Responding to Sir Stephen’s direct intervention about the status of the remaining £176 million, the Minister said:

“What I am saying is that this funding is not ringfenced. Rather than ringfenced budgets addressing single priorities, UKRI aims to create a portfolio of investments where each pound contributes to delivering multiple priorities, providing much better value for money and leveraging the benefits of UKRI as an integrated research and innovation funder. In this context, UKRI is looking for opportunities to support foundational mathematical research across its entire portfolio.”

These statements suggest that the £300 million was not promised as additional funding for mathematics research. However, the Government announcement published in January 2020 explicitly commits an:

“ambitious government investment of up to £300 million to fund experimental and imaginative mathematical sciences research by the very best global talent over the next five years.”

In addition to this statement, Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation, told the Science and Technology Select Committee in June 2022 that while £124 million had been allocated, “we are unable to justify the rest of the £300 million in the really dedicated ringfenced pot that was originally conceived.”  This strongly suggests that the funding was intended to be ringfenced.

Protect Pure Maths is deeply concerned that the Government appears to be deprioritising mathematical science funding, a vital part of our research ecosystem.

Despite the difficult economic situation, which must be a priority for any new Government and Prime Minister, it is false economy and short-termism to disinvest in the mathematical sciences which underpin so many technological advancements that have contributed so significantly to the UK’s economic growth.

Without guarantees that the £176m will be allocated for the mathematical sciences, programmes for research and innovation, doctoral studentships and fellowships will remain unfunded. University maths departments need urgent clarity on the sustainability of maths funding to greenlight research and innovation programmes that will last years into the future, which could in turn provide the next technological breakthrough. 

We will be following up with Mr Gibb directly regarding his comments to clarify and urge the UK Government to deliver on its funding promise.

The transcript of the debate can be read in full here.

Write to your MP about #MathsMissingMillions using our template found at the link below: