About the Newton Gateway to Mathematics

Created:	2019-01-24 15:04
Institution:	Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences
Description:	The Newton Gateway to Mathematics acts as a knowledge intermediary for the mathematical sciences. It is the impact initiative of the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences (INI). Supported by INI and the University of Cambridge, the Newton Gateway to Mathematics reaches out to and engages with the users of mathematics – in industry, business, public sector and other scientific disciplines. It helps to bridge the gap between those engaged in frontier mathematical research and those working in more applied areas, by stimulating the interchange of knowledge and ideas. The Newton Gateway works as a delivery partner to facilitate the exchange, translation and dissemination of knowledge. Using effective communications and proven methodologies, it develops and runs activities such as workshops and meetings, bringing people and organisations together in order to share knowledge and stimulate further research and collaboration. With extensive access to multiple communities across the UK and globally, it can respond in an agile and flexible manner. Mission Statement: The Newton Gateway to Mathematics acts as a vehicle for knowledge exchange between the mathematical sciences and potential users of mathematics, including industry, government, business and other academic disciplines, both in the UK and internationally. It does this by facilitating interactions and activities such as programmes of work, research and training events, as well as bespoke projects. The Newton Gateway to Mathematics aims to widen access to mathematics generally, to shorten pathways to impacts for academic research, and to support education and training in areas where mathematical skills are needed. Background The Newton Gateway to Mathematics was established in March 2013, as the Turing Gateway to Mathematics (TGM), as the impact initiative of INI. It was named after Alan Turing because of his exceptionally wide influence across a broad range of areas. The increasing scale of activity was such that the Newton Gateway to Mathematics needed to reinforce its identify as both an integral part of INI and as a national facility for knowledge exchange for mathematical sciences in the UK. The Review into Knowledge Exchange in the Mathematical Sciences reinforced the need to have impact as a central role within the mathematical sciences. There was the additional need to avoid confusion with other organisations and so it was timely to rebrand to the Newton Gateway to Mathematics in January 2019. Launch of the Newton Gateway to Mathematics A launch event took place on 21 January 2019, with speakers talking about their experience of working with the Gateway, explaining its history, the vision and current priorities. Ewan Kirk, Chair of the Management Committee introduced the event. David Abrahams, who is Director of the Isaac Newton Institute, then spoke about the development of INI, the role of industrial mathematics and statistics and the creation of the Turing Gateway to Mathematics and the subsequent move to become the Newton Gateway to Mathematics. Jane Leeks, Manager of the Gateway, provided examples of the Gateway’s engagement activity over the 6 years since its inception. Jane also spoke about some of the partners that the Gateway has collaborated with and outlined the future direction. Peter Landrock, who is Chair of the Newton Gateway to Mathematics Advisory Board, spoke about his positive experience of engaging with the Gateway and he was followed by Richard Pinch who had previously been a member of the Advisory Board and who is Vice-President, Profession & Industry of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications. Richard spoke about the value of knowledge exchange and gave examples working with the Gateway that had helped to facilitate some particular streams of work. Mike Cates, Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge has worked with the Gateway to develop and deliver the Edwards Symposia. Mike spoke about targeting academia and industry engagement in Soft Matter Research and the key role that the Gateway played in developing the events and facilitating their delivery. Philip Bond, Lead Author of the Bond Review on Knowledge Exchange in the Mathematical Sciences, spoke about why impact matters – its role in productivity and innovation. He spoke about “The Era of Mathematics” and why mathematical impact is vital to society. Priscilla Canizares from Schlumberger was the final speaker – she reiterated that mathematics is inter disciplinary and highlighted its contribution to the UK economy.