MATHS
People Pipeline
We must grow the maths people pipeline, with a focus on early- and mid-career researchers.
The UK is a global centre of excellence for mathematical sciences research, including some of the world’s top-ranked universities and research institutes, as well as highly innovative tech companies. Many sectors that are a stated priority for the UK’s industrial strategy rely heavily on mathematical sciences research, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
The UK’s success in these fields is built on the maths people pipeline, from new graduates through to world-leading researchers. The UK is home to 4% of the world’s mathematical sciences researchers, but they represent 14% of highly-cited articles. Continuing to develop and attract these extremely productive researchers should be a national priority.
Maths People Pipeline
However, the maths people pipeline is not functioning as effectively as it should, and the long-term cuts in in funding for early-career researchers are of particular concern. On top of the £176m cut in planned investment (see Maths Missing Millions), there have been subsequent funding reductions. For example, the number of UK centres for doctoral training in the mathematical sciences has been cut from 11 in 2018 to five in 2024.
As well as bringing more people into the pipeline, there are opportunities to benefit from greater diversity too. Research shows that high-attaining A-level students from lower socio-economic backgrounds are disproportionately like to choose maths degrees, and we could recruit more of them with the right support. And too many women who excel in maths choose at some point to leave the pipeline, so we must up our game and expand our efforts to attract and retain women.
A new plan is needed to restore the maths people pipeline, especially the early- and mid-career researchers who will go on to be leaders in academia and industry, and to help create the next generation of start-ups and breakthrough discoveries.
Related content
Mathematics in UK Higher Education
13 August 2024
Data Board: High attaining pupils frequently 'leak' from the pipeline
12 March 2024
Data Board: Disadvantaged pupils and girls attain less highly
12 March 2024
Data Board: Early Career Researchers
12 March 2024
Mathematical Sciences recruitment and graduate outcomes – A
diversity perspective of the landscape of Mathematical Sciences in UK universities
17 November 2023
Response to the Prime Minister’s announcement on ‘Maths to 18’
19 April 2023
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