The Government has confirmed that £6 million of grant funding to establish a new National Academy for Mathematical Sciences has been withdrawn. Plans to launch a new academy were first announced in the autumn statement in 2023 and the Conservative government had opened competition in May for partners to bid for money to help build it. The decision to scrap the academy means none of the £6 million earmarked for the mathematical sciences will be awarded.
This adds to the £176 million of additional funding for mathematical sciences research which was never deployed by the Government which left significant gaps in planned investment.
President of the London Mathematical Society Professor Jens Marklof responds to the decision below:
“The decision to cancel funding for the Academy of Mathematical Sciences is very disappointing.
“Funding for the Academy could be a huge driver of economic growth by improving the flow of mathematical analysis, cutting-edge research and technological innovation into policymaking.
“The Government’s announcement pledges to explore other ways to promote and support mathematics, so we hope to engage with them on this as soon as possible.”
