MATHEMATICS IN THE PARLIAMENT (an article submitted to Broadview)

Dr Ian Gibson , MP for Norwich North and a former colleague from BIO, and Dr Mirna Džamonja from MTH co-organised a parliamentary event where mathematicians from UEA presented some of the issues concerning research and applications of mathematics. The event took place in the House of Lords on March 10, 2009 and it involved presentations by Dr Mirna Džamonja (MTH) on Computers that have not yet been built, Dr Paul Hammerton (MTH) on Mathematics of Sport, Dr Shaun Stevens (MTH) on Mathematics of Transport and Prof. Tom Ward (VCO) on Statistics. Issues discussed included the inaccurate use of statistics in managerial decisions, inaccurate road planning with increase in travel times, interesting children in mathematics through sport, and the future of research funding for fundamental research, in particular pure mathematics. The event was hosted by Dr Ian Gibson and sponsored by The London Mathematical Society and The Institute of Mathematics and Its Applications whose represantive Caroline Davies was also present. The event was well attended and the attendees, including Phil Willis (chairman of the parliamentray IUSS committee) and Adam Afriyie (Shadow Minister for Innovation, Universities and Skills). There was a number of interesting questions and discussion points raised. MTH is very keen to continue the fruitful collaboration that it has had with Dr Gibson in raising the profile of mathematics in the Parliament.

In the House of Lords