THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER No. 401 March 2011

Society NEW DIRECTOR AT Fellow of the Royal Society in Meetings 1999, and of the Royal Society ISAAC NEWTON of Edinburgh in 2003. and Events INSTITUTE For more information on Pro- fessor Toland’s appointment visit 2011 The University of Cambridge www.admin.cam.ac.uk/news/dp/ 21-25 March announced in January 2011 that 2011011101. LMS Invited Lectures Professor John Toland, FRS, will [page 3] be the next Director of the Isaac 3-8 April Newton Institute for Mathemati- LMS Short Course, cal Sciences and N.M. Rothschild Oxford & Sons Professor of Mathematical Thursday 5 May Sciences. He will succeed Sir David  LMS Spitalfields Day Wallace in October 2011. Profes- GOOD PRACTICE INI, Cambridge sor Toland served as President of the London Mathematical Society AWARD Friday 6 May from 2005 to 2007 and the LMS Although nearly 40% of mathe- Women in Mathematics extends its congratulations to matical sciences graduates are Day, London [page 11] Professor Toland on his prestig- women, only about 4% of UK Tuesday 17 May ious appointment. mathematics professors are fe- LMS–Gresham Lecture, Professor Toland has been male. Relative to men, women London [page 13] Professor of Mathematics at are much less likely to go on to Tuesday 14 June the University of Bath since become academic mathemati- Midlands Regional 1982, and from 2002 until 2010 cians. Of course, this trend is Meeting, Birmingham he was also Scientific Director not unique to mathematics, but [page 6] of the International Centre for the drop-off rate for women in Wednesday 29 June Mathematical Sciences (ICMS) mathematics is particularly high LMS Popular Lecture, in Edinburgh. He held an EPSRC and this should be a concern to London [page 3] Senior Research Fellowship mathematics departments. The Friday 1 July during 1997–2002. He has been recent International Review of London honoured with many distinc- Mathematics highlighted con- tions and awards throughout cern about the low numbers of Tuesday 19 July his career including the LMS female mathematicians in the Northern Regional Senior Berwick Prize (2000); UK. Meeting, Leeds Honorary Fellowship of Uni- The LMS Women in Mathemat- [page 15] versity College London (2008); ics Committee, in collaboration NEWSLETTER Honorary DSc: Queen’s Univer- with the Committee of Heads of sity Belfast (2000), University of Departments of Mathematical Sci- ONLINE: Edinburgh (2007), Heriot-Watt ences, have set up a Good Practice Go to www.lms.ac.uk/ University (2007), University of Award specifically for mathemat- newsletter Essex (2009). He was elected ics departments to recognise and

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NEWSLETTER www.lms.ac.uk/newsletter [email protected]

celebrate good employment practice for wom- The workshop will be held at De Morgan strongly encourage you to send two people to en working in mathematics. The scheme com- House. Registration will be from 10.30 am and the workshop as there will be an exercise de- plements initiatives such as Athena SWAN. the workshop will begin at 11.00 am running signed to get departments thinking about how There are now six departments that have until no later than 4.00 pm. to move forward with their self assessment signed up as supporters and are working to- Participants will: process and this will work best if done in pairs. wards ‘Champion’ status. The LMS Women in • find out more about what is involved in If you wish to register then please send Mathematics Committee is keen to encourage making an application for a Good Practice the contact details of your participants to more departments to sign as GPA support- Award [email protected]. More details about ers and to support the departments already • begin to think about how your department the GPA are available at www.lms.ac.uk/ involved. can put in place what you need to begin content/good-practice-award. A Good Practice Award workshop will be your departmental/school self assessment Cathy Hobbs, Chair, GPA Steering Group held on Thursday 19 May to provide par- process and to develop an action plan Gwyneth Stallard, Chair, WiM Committee ticipants with the knowledge and tools they • consider and share what good practice need to begin the process of working to- exists in mathematics departments wards Good Practice Award Champion status. • make useful contacts with other depart- If your department is considering becoming ments active in promoting the careers of a GPA supporter, then this workshop will women in mathematics provide a starting point. If you are already • get ideas about the people you can look to  a Good Practice Award Supporter, then this for help. workshop will help you work towards submit- The workshop is designed for two par- ting your application for Champion status. ticipants from each department. We would

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Editorial office: [email protected]; London Mathematical Society, De Morgan House, 57–58 Russell Square, London WC1B 4HS (t: 020 7637 3686; f: 020 7323 3655)

Events calendar: please send updates and corrections to [email protected]

General Editor: Mr A.J.S. Mann ([email protected]) Reports Editor: Dr S.A. Huggett ([email protected]) Reviews Editor: Dr C.M. Roney-Dougal ([email protected]) Administrative Editor: S.M. Oakes ([email protected])

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News items and notices in the Newsletter may be freely used elsewhere unless otherwise stated, although attribution is requested when reproducing whole articles. Contributions to the Newsletter are made under a non-exclusive licence; please contact the author or photographer for the rights to reproduce. The LMS cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of information in the Newsletter. Views expressed do not necessarily represent the views or policy of the London Mathematical Society.

Charity registration number: 252660.

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The workshop will be held at De Morgan strongly encourage you to send two people to LMS POPULAR LECTURES House. Registration will be from 10.30 am and the workshop as there will be an exercise de- the workshop will begin at 11.00 am running signed to get departments thinking about how 2011 until no later than 4.00 pm. to move forward with their self assessment The Popular Lectures is an annual event or- Participants will: process and this will work best if done in pairs. ganised by the London Mathematical Society. • find out more about what is involved in If you wish to register then please send The 2011 event will be held at the Institute making an application for a Good Practice the contact details of your participants to of Education, London, on Wednesday 29 June Award [email protected]. More details about and will be repeated at Birmingham Univer- • begin to think about how your department the GPA are available at www.lms.ac.uk/ sity in September. The speakers are Colva can put in place what you need to begin content/good-practice-award. Roney-Dougal (St Andrews University) and your departmental/school self assessment Cathy Hobbs, Chair, GPA Steering Group Hilary Weller (University of Reading). Further process and to develop an action plan Gwyneth Stallard, Chair, WiM Committee details will follow in the April Newsletter. • consider and share what good practice exists in mathematics departments • make useful contacts with other depart- ments active in promoting the careers of women in mathematics LMS INVITED LECTURER 2011 • get ideas about the people you can look to for help.  The workshop is designed for two par- Professor Emmanuel Cand�s (Stanford) ticipants from each department. We would Compressed Sensing LMS Newsletter www.lms.ac.uk/newsletter 21–25 March 2011 Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Cambridge Editorial office: [email protected]; London Mathematical Society, De Morgan House, 57–58 Russell Square, London WC1B 4HS (t: 020 7637 3686; f: 020 7323 3655) Emmanuel Cand�s will give an eight-lecture minicourse, at a level suitable please send updates and corrections to Events calendar: [email protected] for graduate students, on Compressed Sensing. This is a subject very much General Editor: Mr A.J.S. Mann ([email protected]) at the interface of pure and applied mathematics and the lectures should Reports Editor: Dr S.A. Huggett ([email protected]) interest a wide audience. Reviews Editor: Dr C.M. Roney-Dougal ([email protected]) Administrative Editor: S.M. Oakes ([email protected]) There will also be one-hour lectures by: Typeset by the London Mathematical Society at De Morgan House; printed by Holbrooks Printers Ltd. • Anders Hansen (Cambridge) Publication dates and deadlines: published monthly, except August. Items and advertisements by the • Vincent Rivoirard (Paris-Dauphine) first day of the month prior to publication, or the closest preceding working day. • Carola Schönlieb (Cambridge) Advertising: for rates and guidelines, see www.lms.ac.uk/newsletter/ratecard.html • Jared Tanner (Edinburgh) News items and notices in the Newsletter may be freely used elsewhere unless otherwise stated, although attribution is requested when reproducing whole articles. Contributions to the Newsletter College accommodation will be available. Funding is available for research are made under a non-exclusive licence; please contact the author or photographer for the rights to students from UK universities and a limited amount of funding is available reproduce. The LMS cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of information in the Newsletter. for others. Please email [email protected] for more details. Views expressed do not necessarily represent the views or policy of the London Mathematical Society. For further details see: www.dpmms.cam.ac.uk/~bjg23/candeslectures.html. Charity registration number: 252660.

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NEWSLETTER www.lms.ac.uk/newsletter [email protected]

PHILIP LEVERHULME PRIZES

In the field of Mathematics and Statistics the following have been awarded a 2010 Lever- hulme prize: • Caucher Birkar, DPMMS, University of Cambridge • Timothy Browning, School of Mathematics, University of Bristol • Tom Coates, Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London • Radek Erban, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford • Nicolai Meinshausen, Department of Statistics, University of Oxford These prizes, with a value of £70,000 each, are awarded to outstanding scholars who have made a substantial and recognised contribution  to their particular field of study, recognised at an international level, and where the expecta- tion is that their greatest achievement is yet to come. For further information visit the website at www.leverhulme.ac.uk/news/awards/plp.cfm. ALF VAN DER POORTEN

Professor Alfred Jacobus (Alf) van der Poorten who was elected a member of the London Mathematical Society on 15 May 1975, died on 9 October 2010, aged 68. David Hunt writes: Alf was born in Holland in 1942 and after many difficulties his family migrated to Sydney in 1951. Alf shone academi- cally at both Sydney Boys High School and then as a mathematics cadet at the University of New South Wales. He obtained four different degrees from the university but was always des- tined to become an academic mathematician. Alf’s research was in diverse aspects of number theory. His doctoral supervisor was Kurt Mahler, under whom he wrote a thesis Simultaneous algebraic approximations to functions, but in his early years he also came under the influence of George Szekeres. Alf collected a large network of research colleagues. He published about 180 papers

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PHILIP LEVERHULME PRIZES with some fifty collaborators. Many of his pub- lications were in some sense expository. Of par- In the field of Mathematics and Statistics the ticular note was his book Notes on Fermat’s Last following have been awarded a 2010 Lever- Theorem. hulme prize: In 1979 Alf was appointed to a full profes- • Caucher Birkar, DPMMS, sorship in Mathematics at Macquarie Univer- University of Cambridge sity, which is also in Sydney. He remained in • Timothy Browning, School of Mathematics, this position until his retirement in 2002. Dur- University of Bristol ing this period he became heavily involved • Tom Coates, Department of Mathematics, in the senior management of the University Imperial College London both as Head of School and as President of the • Radek Erban, Mathematical Institute, Academic Senate. His contributions to mathe- University of Oxford matics in Australia were manifold including • Nicolai Meinshausen, Department of chairing a working party which reported to Statistics, University of Oxford the Australian Research Council on mathemat- These prizes, with a value of £70,000 each, ics research in Australia and two years as Presi- are awarded to outstanding scholars who have dent of the Australian Mathematical Society. made a substantial and recognised contribution In recognition of his services to mathemat- to their particular field of study, recognised at ics in Australia, Alf was awarded the inaugural  an international level, and where the expecta- George Szekeres Medal of the Australian tion is that their greatest achievement is yet to Mathematical Society in 2002. He was also ap- come. For further information visit the website pointed a Member of the Order of Australia, at www.leverhulme.ac.uk/news/awards/plp.cfm. AM, in 2004. Alf was an inveterate traveller, especially to ALF VAN DER POORTEN MSRI and to Bordeaux, where he was award- ed Docteur Honoris Causa in 1998. But above Professor Alfred Jacobus (Alf) van der Poorten all else he was dedicated to his family. Alf is who was elected a member of the London survived by his mother, his wife Joy, children Mathematical Society on 15 May 1975, died David and Kate, and four grandchildren. on 9 October 2010, aged 68. David Hunt writes: Alf was born in Holland ANALYSIS WORKSHOP in 1942 and after many difficulties his family migrated to Sydney in 1951. Alf shone academi- An Analysis Workshop will take place at the cally at both Sydney Boys High School and then Department of Mathematics, Imperial College as a mathematics cadet at the University of London from 16 to 18 March 2011. Invited New South Wales. He obtained four different speakers include: degrees from the university but was always des- • Dominique Bakry (Toulouse) tined to become an academic mathematician. • Karl-Theodor Sturm (Bonn) Alf’s research was in diverse aspects of • Clement Mouhot (Cambridge) number theory. His doctoral supervisor was Some support for young research and grad- Kurt Mahler, under whom he wrote a thesis uate students will be available. For more in- Simultaneous algebraic approximations to formation visit the website at www2.imperial. functions, but in his early years he also came ac.uk/~vk2007/workshop2011 or contact the under the influence of George Szekeres. organiser Bogusław Zegarlinski (b.zegarlinski@ Alf collected a large network of research imperial.ac.uk). The workshop is supported by colleagues. He published about 180 papers an LMS Conference grant.

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NEWSLETTER www.lms.ac.uk/newsletter [email protected]

MATHEMATICS POLICY ROUND UP

LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY International Review of Mathematical Sciences 2010 Following the recent International Review MIDLANDS REGIONAL MEETING of Mathematical Sciences (IRM), there was a public launch of the Review Panel’s report and Tuesday 14 June 2011 findings at an EPSRC ‘Town Meeting’ on Friday 28 January 2011 at the Senate House, University Poynting Large Lecture Theatre, University of Birmingham of London. After an introduction by Professor Sir Adrian Programme: Smith, Director General, Knowledge and Innovation, there was an overview of the 2.00 Opening of the meeting International Review from the Chair of the International Review Steering Committee Pro- Miles Reid (Warwick) fessor Tim Pedley. Professor Margaret Wright, Rings and varieties Chair of the International Review Panel, then presented the main findings and recom-  3.15 Shaun Stevens (University of East Anglia) mendations of the Review and particularly Representations of p-adic groups and the local Langlands conjectures stressed that the actions taken by EPRSC since the 2004 IRM ‘have significantly contributed 4.15 Tea/Coffee to the invigoration of mathematical sciences research’. She said, that ‘Overall mathematical 4.45 Catharina Stroppel (Bonn) sciences research in the UK is excellent on an TBA international scale.’ Wright also stressed the ‘importance of adopting a “united we stand” 6.30 Dinner at University Staff House approach as the most appropriate perspective on mathematical sciences research in the con- These lectures are aimed at a general mathematical audience. All interested, text of this review’. The final report will be whether LMS members or not, are most welcome to attend this event. available shortly. For more information visit the EPSRC website at www.epsrc.ac.uk. For further details, to register or to reserve a place at the dinner, email the organisers ([email protected]). The cost of the dinner will Education Bill be approximately £25, including drinks. The Education Bill was introduced into Parlia- ment on 26 January 2011 as the First Reading The meeting precedes a workshop on Representation Theory from 15 to (http://tinyurl.com/5v7lc5n). The Education 18 June. For further details visit Bill takes forward the legislative proposals in http://web.mat.bham.ac.uk/S.M.Goodwin/lms2011/ the Schools White Paper, The Importance of or contact the organisers. Teaching, and measures from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to improve There are funds available to contribute in part to the expenses of members skills, including two elements of the reforms to of the Society or research students to attend the meeting and workshop. higher education funding. Measures in the Bill Requests for support, including an estimate of expenses, may be addressed include: to the organisers. • extending the Secretary of State’s powers to intervene where schools are under- performing;

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MATHEMATICS POLICY ROUND UP

International Review of Mathematical • introducing smarter school inspections. Sciences 2010 Ofsted will now focus only on four core Following the recent International Review elements of schools – pupil achievement, of Mathematical Sciences (IRM), there was a teaching, leadership and behaviour and public launch of the Review Panel’s report and safety; and findings at an EPSRC ‘Town Meeting’ on Friday • measuring our education system against 28 January 2011 at the Senate House, University the best in the world. Ofqual will compare of London. our exam standards against the highest- After an introduction by Professor Sir Adrian performing countries. Smith, Director General, Knowledge and In addition, the Bill will strengthen teachers’ Innovation, there was an overview of the powers to deal with bad behaviour. It gives International Review from the Chair of the teachers the power to search for any items International Review Steering Committee Pro- schools ban that disrupt learning, like mobile fessor Tim Pedley. Professor Margaret Wright, phones and video cameras. It also gives schools Chair of the International Review Panel, then the final say in expelling violent pupils and presented the main findings and recom- protects teachers from pupils making false mendations of the Review and particularly allegations.  stressed that the actions taken by EPRSC since the 2004 IRM ‘have significantly contributed Big Bang Fair to the invigoration of mathematical sciences This year’s Big Bang Fair (www.thebigbangfair. research’. She said, that ‘Overall mathematical co.uk), which is the “UK’s biggest single cel- sciences research in the UK is excellent on an ebration of science and engineering for young international scale.’ Wright also stressed the people”, is taking place at ExCeL in the London ‘importance of adopting a “united we stand” Docklands from 10 to 12 March 2011. We are approach as the most appropriate perspective delighted that there is a Maths Zone this year on mathematical sciences research in the con- with a range of exhibits, theatre productions text of this review’. The final report will be and workshops – including Maths Busking, the available shortly. For more information visit Maths of Gameshows, Learning Maths Through the EPSRC website at www.epsrc.ac.uk. Robots, the Mathematics of Card Tricks, Living in a Complex World and many more. Education Bill The Education Bill was introduced into Parlia- Record applications for university ment on 26 January 2011 as the First Reading Figures published by UCAS in January 2011 (http://tinyurl.com/5v7lc5n). The Education show that there have been 583,501 applica- Bill takes forward the legislative proposals in tions for places on degree courses this year. the Schools White Paper, The Importance of This is a 5.1% increase compared with this time Teaching, and measures from the Department last year. The figures show a dramatic rise in for Business, Innovation and Skills to improve the number of university applications over the skills, including two elements of the reforms to past four years. In 2007, there were 402,831 higher education funding. Measures in the Bill applications. There has been an 8.6% increase in include: applications to the Mathematical & Computer • extending the Secretary of State’s powers Sciences group with 128,274 applications com- to intervene where schools are under- pared to 118,089 last year. More information is performing; available at http://tinyurl.com/66upwbq. (Continued on the next page.)

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NEWSLETTER www.lms.ac.uk/newsletter [email protected]

Call for evidence on Spending Review to increase take-up and achievement – are MATHEMATICS HE SUMMIT The Science and Technology Committee has available throughout the country, especially in Report requested written submissions on the science the most disadvantaged communities.” and research budget allocations for 2011/12 to The report is available at http://tinyurl.com/ The Mathematics HE Summit took place at 2014/15. The Committee has taken the decision 6hbzrxp. the University of Birmingham on 12 January to invite representations from the wider scien- 2011, operated by the Maths, Stats & OR tific community and other interested parties National Curriculum Review (MSOR) Network as part of the Mathemati- over the coming months on the future impact On 20 January 2011 the Secretary of State for cal Sciences HE Curriculum Innovation Project of the budget allocations. Education, Michael Gove, announced a major within the National HE STEM Programme. Andrew Miller MP, Chair of the Science and review of the National Curriculum in England This brought together: Heads of Mathematics Technology Committee, said: (the review does not include post-16 secondary or their representatives from 25 universities “Following the Committee’s evidence ses- education). offering mathematics degrees (about half of sion last week with Research Council chief The review will be led by the Department for those in England and Wales); Education rep- executives, and our session with David Willetts Education, supported by an advisory commit- resentatives from the Institute of Mathemat- in November, the Committee has decided to tee and expert panel made up of top teachers, ics and its Applications, the Royal Statistical call for written submissions from the wider academics and business representatives. The Society, the Operational Research Society and scientific community on the impact ofthe review will: the Council for the Mathematical Sciences; science and research budget allocations for • replace the current substandard curriculum members of the National HE STEM Pro-  2011/12 to 2014/15.” with one based on the best school systems in gramme, sigma and the MSOR Network; and Details are available at http://tinyurl. the world, providing a world-class resource several individuals. com/5wck6r2. for teachers and children; The day was chaired by Professor Duncan A transcript of evidence given to the Science • consider what subjects should be compulsory Lawson and opened with a debate, in which and Technology Committee in January 2011 by at what age; and Professor Alexandre Borovik of the University the Chief Executives of the Research Councils is • consider what children should be taught in of Manchester proposed and Jon McLoone available at http://tinyurl.com/66pe2tm the main subjects at what age. of Wolfram Research opposed the motion Further information about the review is avail- ‘We believe that memory, subject knowledge Educating the Next Generation of Scientists able at http://tinyurl.com/62pknl7. and technical fluency remain vital for under- The House of Commons Committee of Public graduate mathematicians in the digital age’. Accounts published the report Educating the Online learning in higher education Following this, breakout groups discussed the next generation of scientists in January 2011. A recent report by the Online Learning Task topics: ‘We can’t let them graduate unless...’; The Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MP, Chair of the Force, Collaborate to compete: Seizing the ‘If maths students can’t communicate in Committee of Public Accounts, said: opportunity of online learning for UK higher edu- writing or speak in public – is that my prob- “There has been an impressive increase in the cation, says that “Universities and colleges need lem?’; and ‘If most maths graduates “aren’t availability and take up of GCSE Triple Science; to make online learning a central part of organ- confident” in handling unfamiliar problems and, at the same time, attainment in maths, isational strategies if they are to meet rapidly – should we care?’ After lunch the Summit re- biology, chemistry and physics at this level has changing student demands and stay competi- ceived feedback from the morning discussions improved. But the picture is far from rosy. … tive in the global higher education market.” It and an update on employer engagement [Amongst other things] there has been slow goes on to say that “Those UK higher education activity from the Mathematical Sciences Strand progress in increasing the number of specialist institutions that are prepared to make online by David Youdan. The Summit heard and dis- physics and maths teachers. The resources for learning a central focus will be able to develop cussed presentations from Professor Jeremy recruiting science and maths graduates into responsive, engaging and interactive education Levesley on Taking control of the assessment teaching should be focused on what works. We that is both high quality and cost effective.” agenda and Dr Neil Challis on What do the need a coherent national approach to ensure The full report is available at www.hefce. students think about their Maths degrees? that the key success factors – such as GCSE Triple ac.uk/pubs/hefce/2011/11_01/ A final set of breakout sessions considered the Science, specialist teachers, good-quality science Dr John Johnston topic ‘Imagine there is £100k–£150k in total facilities, good careers advice and programmes Mathematics Promotion Unit available to support curriculum development

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to increase take-up and achievement – are MATHEMATICS HE SUMMIT across the sector, how best should this be available throughout the country, especially in targeted and what are the priority areas?’ Report the most disadvantaged communities.” The National HE STEM Programme is a The report is available at http://tinyurl.com/ The Mathematics HE Summit took place at large-scale initiative funded by the Higher 6hbzrxp. the University of Birmingham on 12 January Education Funding Councils for England and 2011, operated by the Maths, Stats & OR Wales (HEFCE and HEFCW) which aims to National Curriculum Review (MSOR) Network as part of the Mathemati- address widening participation, curriculum On 20 January 2011 the Secretary of State for cal Sciences HE Curriculum Innovation Project innovation and higher-level skills in the Education, Michael Gove, announced a major within the National HE STEM Programme. workforce in Mathematical Sciences, Physics, review of the National Curriculum in England This brought together: Heads of Mathematics Chemistry and Engineering, with a particu- (the review does not include post-16 secondary or their representatives from 25 universities lar interest in the role of employers in these education). offering mathematics degrees (about half of activities. The Mathematical Sciences Strand The review will be led by the Department for those in England and Wales); Education rep- is overseen by a group of societies and oth- Education, supported by an advisory commit- resentatives from the Institute of Mathemat- ers, comprising the LMS and the Institute tee and expert panel made up of top teachers, ics and its Applications, the Royal Statistical of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), academics and business representatives. The Society, the Operational Research Society and the Royal Statistical Society (RSS), the Heads review will: the Council for the Mathematical Sciences; of Departments of Mathematical Sciences • replace the current substandard curriculum members of the National HE STEM Pro- (HoDoMS), sigma and the MSOR Network. with one based on the best school systems in gramme, sigma and the MSOR Network; and Within the Mathematical Sciences Strand,  the world, providing a world-class resource several individuals. the MSOR Network is responsible for HE for teachers and children; The day was chaired by Professor Duncan Curriculum Innovation – exploring current • consider what subjects should be compulsory Lawson and opened with a debate, in which learning, teaching and assessment practices at what age; and Professor Alexandre Borovik of the University within mathematical sciences departments, and • consider what children should be taught in of Manchester proposed and Jon McLoone disseminating good practice. I am employed the main subjects at what age. of Wolfram Research opposed the motion by the MSOR Network to operate this activity, Further information about the review is avail- ‘We believe that memory, subject knowledge which runs until July 2012. able at http://tinyurl.com/62pknl7. and technical fluency remain vital for under- Initial feedback from the Summit has been graduate mathematicians in the digital age’. very positive. Michael Grove, National HE Online learning in higher education Following this, breakout groups discussed the STEM Programme Director, said “It was great A recent report by the Online Learning Task topics: ‘We can’t let them graduate unless...’; to see so many people from the mathematics Force, Collaborate to compete: Seizing the ‘If maths students can’t communicate in community involved, and great to see so many opportunity of online learning for UK higher edu- writing or speak in public – is that my prob- people present with whom the Programme is cation, says that “Universities and colleges need lem?’; and ‘If most maths graduates “aren’t currently working.” The Summit provided a to make online learning a central part of organ- confident” in handling unfamiliar problems day of debate, provocative presentations and isational strategies if they are to meet rapidly – should we care?’ After lunch the Summit re- discussion which was captured by a group of changing student demands and stay competi- ceived feedback from the morning discussions volunteer note takers. The findings will be tive in the global higher education market.” It and an update on employer engagement written up for dissemination and used by the goes on to say that “Those UK higher education activity from the Mathematical Sciences Strand MSOR Network when planning activities in institutions that are prepared to make online by David Youdan. The Summit heard and dis- the remainder of the Mathematical Sciences learning a central focus will be able to develop cussed presentations from Professor Jeremy HE Curriculum Innovation Project. Further in- responsive, engaging and interactive education Levesley on Taking control of the assessment formation and updates, including a blog and that is both high quality and cost effective.” agenda and Dr Neil Challis on What do the a podcast, are available via www.mathstore. The full report is available at www.hefce. students think about their Maths degrees? ac.uk/hestem. ac.uk/pubs/hefce/2011/11_01/ A final set of breakout sessions considered the Peter Rowlett Dr John Johnston topic ‘Imagine there is £100k–£150k in total HE Curriculum Innovation Advisor Mathematics Promotion Unit available to support curriculum development MSOR Network

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NEWSLETTER www.lms.ac.uk/newsletter [email protected]

FRONTIERS OF • Yum-Tong Siu (Harvard) • Kazuya Tohge (Kanazawa) NEVANLINNA THEORY • Lucia di Vizio (Paris VII) Over the next year and a half there will be a • Paul Vojta (Berkeley) series of four short workshops on the Frontiers • Julie Tzu-Yueh Wang (Academia Sinica, of Nevanlinna Theory at University College Taiwan) London: • Jörg Winkelmann (Ruhr-Universität Bochum) 1. Frontiers of Nevanlinna theory 1 • Chung-Chun Yang (Hong Kong University (a general introduction to all themes), of Science and Technology) 28–30 March 2011 For further details visit the website at www. 2. p-adic function theory and arithmetic homepages.ucl.ac.uk/~ucahrha/conferences/ dynamics, 27–29 June 2011 frontiers. Contact Rod Halburd to register 3. Applications of Nevanlinna theory to your interest ([email protected]). differential and functional equations, 17–19 April 2012 PANDA 4. Nevanlinna theory and number theory (especially connections with Diophantine The next meeting of the Patterns, Nonlinear approximation), 18–20 June 2012 Dynamics and Applications (PANDA) network 10 The interplay between Nevanlinna theory will take place on Wednesday 6 April 2011 and these topics has not been pursued much from 10.30 to 16.30 at the University of in the UK and one of the main reasons be- Surrey. The two invited review talks will be: hind running these meetings is to provide • Daniele Avitabile (Surrey) an introduction to some of these ideas and Equation-free methods for numerical an opportunity for relevant researchers to continuation in agent-based models mix. As such, each workshop will consist of • Tim Foxon (Leeds) a relatively small number of talks, with long Complex systems methods for informing breaks for discussions among participants. energy decision-making in cities Speakers will include: The organisers invite contributed half- • Grigor Barsegian (NAS, Armenia) hour research talks on any topic within the • Walter Bergweiler (Kiel) PANDA remit, and particularly welcome • Enrico Bombieri (IAS Princeton) tbc offers of talks by postdocs and PhD students. • Abdelbaki Boutabaa (Blaise Pascal) A limited amount of funding is available • William Cherry (North Texas) tbc for the reimbursement of travel expenses. • Alexander Eremenko (Purdue) They may also be able to make a contribu- • Alain Escassut (Blaise Pascal) tion towards childcare expenses incurred • Walter Hayman (Imperial College London) specifically for the purpose of attending the • Gordon Heier (Houston) meeting. Contact Rebecca Hoyle (r.hoyle@ • Aimo Hinkkanen (Illinois at surrey.ac.uk) if you would like to speak at Urbana-Champaign) the meeting. • Pei-Chu Hu (Shandong) For further details visit the website at • Risto Korhonen (Eastern Finland) http://personal.maths.surrey.ac.uk/st/ • Ilpo Laine (Eastern Finland) R.Hoyle/panda. The PANDA network is • Jim Langley (Nottingham) organised by Rebecca Hoyle (Surrey), Jon • Michael McQuillan (Rome ’Tor Vergata’) Dawes (Bath), Paul Matthews (Nottingham) • Min Ru (Houston) and Alastair Rucklidge (Leeds), and is sup- • Joe Silverman (Brown) ported by an LMS Scheme 3 grant.

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• Yum-Tong Siu (Harvard) • Kazuya Tohge (Kanazawa) • Lucia di Vizio (Paris VII) WOMEN IN MATHEMATICS DAY 2011 • Paul Vojta (Berkeley) The next Women in Mathematics Day will be held on Friday 6 May 2011 at De Morgan • Julie Tzu-Yueh Wang (Academia Sinica, House, 57–58 Russell Square, London. Sessions will include talks by women Taiwan) mathematicians in a variety of appointments and at different career stages. • Jörg Winkelmann (Ruhr-Universität Bochum) The organisers would be very grateful if all members could encourage women • Chung-Chun Yang (Hong Kong University mathematicians, particularly students (including final-year undergraduates) and of Science and Technology) those at an early stage in their career, to attend this meeting. The Women in For further details visit the website at www. Mathematics Day provides a valuable opportunity to meet and talk with women homepages.ucl.ac.uk/~ucahrha/conferences/ who are active and successful in mathematics. Participants from previous meetings frontiers. Contact Rod Halburd to register have found this opportunity useful and beneficial. your interest ([email protected]). While women are especially encouraged to attend this day, men are certainly not excluded. PANDA Any postgraduates, postdocs or research assistants wishing to give a talk during the after- noon session or present a poster should contact Peter Clarkson ([email protected]). The next meeting of the Patterns, Nonlinear Dynamics and Applications (PANDA) network To encourage high-quality posters, a £50 book token will be awarded for the poster that is judged to be the best Women in Mathematics Day Poster 2011. will take place on Wednesday 6 April 2011 11 from 10.30 to 16.30 at the University of Programme (tbc) Surrey. The two invited review talks will be: 10.30–11.00 Registration and coffee • Daniele Avitabile (Surrey) LMS © 11.00–13.00 Morning Session Equation-free methods for numerical continuation in agent-based models Claire Gilson (Glasgow) • Tim Foxon (Leeds) Box and ball systems in integrable Complex systems methods for informing systems energy decision-making in cities Joan Lasenby (Cambridge) The organisers invite contributed half- The Mathematics of making movies hour research talks on any topic within the Rowena Paget (Kent) PANDA remit, and particularly welcome Set partitions and symmetric groups offers of talks by postdocs and PhD students. 13.00–14.00 Lunch and poster session A limited amount of funding is available 14.15–16.00 Afternoon Session for the reimbursement of travel expenses. Postgraduate/Postdoc speakers They may also be able to make a contribu- Discussion groups tion towards childcare expenses incurred 2008 Poster Competition Winner: Helena Mihaljevic-Brandt, Liverpool specifically for the purpose of attending the 16.00–16.30 Tea meeting. Contact Rebecca Hoyle (r.hoyle@ Participants are invited to join us for dinner at a local restaurant after the event. If surrey.ac.uk) if you would like to speak at you would like to attend, please email Elizabeth Fisher ([email protected]). the meeting. Please note that the dinner will not be paid for by the Society. For further details visit the website at http://personal.maths.surrey.ac.uk/st/ Limited funds are available to help with the travel costs of students attending the R.Hoyle/panda. The PANDA network is event. Further details are available from Elizabeth Fisher at the Society (contact details below). organised by Rebecca Hoyle (Surrey), Jon Dawes (Bath), Paul Matthews (Nottingham) To register contact Elizabeth Fisher ([email protected]). The day is free for and Alastair Rucklidge (Leeds), and is sup- students and £5 for all others – payable on the day. ported by an LMS Scheme 3 grant.

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Mar11-NL.indd 13 16/02/2011 16:36:32 THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER www.lms.ac.uk/newsletter [email protected]

NBFAS Research students are welcome. Further details and registration arrangements will The North British Functional Analysis Seminar be posted at www.maths.ox.ac.uk/~lmason/ (NBFAS) normally meets three times per year, rp80.html in April. For further inquiries con- holding a one- or two-day meeting in one of tact Lionel Mason ([email protected]). its member institutions at which distinguished The conference is supported by an LMS Con- mathematicians, usually from overseas, are ference grant. invited to lecture. The next NBFAS will take place at the University of Sheffield from 4 to PANHELLENIC GEOMETRY 5 March 2011. The speakers are: • Catalin Badea (Lille) CONFERENCE Friday 4 March at 2.30 pm and 4.00 pm The 10th Panhellenic Geometry Conference What is operator theory good for? will take place at the University Conference • Nicolas Monod (Lausanne) Center of the University of Patras (in Rion) Saturday 5 March at 10.00 am and 11.30 am from Friday 27 to Saturday 28 May 2011. Fixed point theorems and derivations Following the tradition of the previous Pan- Littlewood and large forests hellenic Geometry Conferences, the organisers All interested are welcome to attend. The lec- invite researchers and postgraduate students 14 tures will take place in Lecture Theatre 1 in the who work on Geometry in a wide sense Hicks Building. For further information con- (Differential Geometry – Applications, Alge- tact the NBFAS Secretary, Joachim Zacharias braic Geometry, Convex Geometry, Geometric ([email protected]) or visit Analysis, Algebraic Topology) to participate in the website at www.maths.leeds.ac.uk/nbfas/ this conference. The Invited Speakers are: sheff11.html. The meeting is supported by an • Giovanni Calvaruso (Lecce) LMS Scheme 3 grant. • Hiroshi Tamaru (Hiroshima) The registration deadline is 11 April 2011. TWISTORS IN GEOMETRY The conference dinner will be on Saturday 28 May. On Sunday there will be an excur- AND PHYSICS sion to the historic town of Kalavrita. For A meeting on Twistors in Geometry and Phys- information visit the website at www.math. ics in honour of Sir Roger Penrose, OM, will upatras.gr/~geomconf11 or contact Andreas take place from 21 to 22 July 2011 at the Arvanitoyeorgos ([email protected]). Mathematical Institute, Oxford to mark his 80th birthday. Twistor theory is one of his most remarkable discoveries and continues to have wide application across geometry and physics. This meeting will focus on recent developments with speakers on applications both in pure mathematics and in mathemati- cal physics. The speakers are: • Nima Arkani-Hamed (IAS, Princeton) • Mike Eastwood (ANU) • Nigel Hitchin (Oxford) • Andrew Hodges (Oxford) • Claude LeBrun (Stonybrook) • David Skinner (Perimeter Institute) Twistor, drawn by R. Penrose

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Research students are welcome. Further details and registration arrangements will be posted at www.maths.ox.ac.uk/~lmason/ LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY rp80.html in April. For further inquiries con- tact Lionel Mason ([email protected]). The conference is supported by an LMS Con- NORTHERN REGIONAL MEETING ference grant. Tuesday 19 July 2011 PANHELLENIC GEOMETRY MALL Seminar Room, Mathematics Building, University of Leeds CONFERENCE The 10th Panhellenic Geometry Conference will take place at the University Conference Programme: Center of the University of Patras (in Rion) from Friday 27 to Saturday 28 May 2011. Opening of the meeting Following the tradition of the previous Pan- 2.30 hellenic Geometry Conferences, the organisers Gregory Cherlin (Rutgers) invite researchers and postgraduate students The classification of homogeneous combinatorial structures who work on Geometry in a wide sense 15 (Differential Geometry – Applications, Alge- Tea/Coffee braic Geometry, Convex Geometry, Geometric 3.45 Analysis, Algebraic Topology) to participate in 4.15 Alexander Kechris (California Institute of Technology) this conference. The Invited Speakers are: • Giovanni Calvaruso (Lecce) The dynamics of automorphism groups of homogeneous structures • Hiroshi Tamaru (Hiroshima) 6.00 Dinner at University House The registration deadline is 11 April 2011. The conference dinner will be on Saturday 28 May. On Sunday there will be an excur- These lectures are aimed at a general mathematical audience. All interested, sion to the historic town of Kalavrita. For whether LMS members or not, are most welcome to attend this event. information visit the website at www.math. upatras.gr/~geomconf11 or contact Andreas For further details, to register or to reserve a place at the dinner, email Arvanitoyeorgos ([email protected]). the organisers ([email protected]). The cost of the dinner will be approximately £30, including drinks.

The meeting forms part of a workshop on Homogeneous Structures from 19 to 22 July. For further details visit the website at www.maths.leeds.ac.uk/events/lmsnorth2011 or contact the organisers.

There are funds available to contribute in part to the expenses of members of the Society or research students to attend the meeting and workshop. Requests for support, including an estimate of expenses, may be addressed to the organisers.

Twistor, drawn by R. Penrose

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NEWSLETTER www.lms.ac.uk/newsletter [email protected]

THE KERVAIRE INVARIANT ISAAC NEWTON INSTITUTE FOR MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES IN EDINBURGH At the 2009 Atiyah80 ICMS Workshop, Hill, CLOSING CONFERENCE Hopkins and Ravenel announced a proof 27 June – 1 July 2011 that there do not exist framed manifolds k in association with the Newton Institute programme entitled with Kervaire invariant 1 in dimensions 2 – 2 Moduli Spaces for any k ≥ 8. This solves the long-standing (4 January – 1 July 2011) open Kervaire invariant problem (except for dimension 126, the only dimension which Organisers: P.E. Newstead (Chair) (Liverpool), L. Brambila-Paz (CIMAT, Mexico), O. García-Prada now remains open), which has been of cen- (CSIC, Madrid), R. Thomas (Imperial). tral importance in homotopy theory for over Theme of conference: This workshop is the closing conference for the programme on Moduli Spaces 40 years. and incorporates the 2011 workshop of the Research Group Vector Bundles on Algebraic Curves. The An ICMS workshop on The Kervaire Invariant scientific programme will consist of around 15 invited talks and 12 contributed talks. The talks will cover various aspects of the theory of moduli and it is intended that talks on important developments and Stable Homotopy Theory will take place within the semester programme will be included. The presentations will provide a state-of-the-art from 25 to 29 April 2011 in Edinburgh. The picture of the theory of moduli and will have significant impact on research in this area. The event principal objective of the workshop is to dis- is also being sponsored by the Interactions of Low-Dimensional Topology and Geometry with seminate the methods used in the solution 16 Mathematical Physics (ITGP) network of the European Science Foundation and the Clay Mathematics of the Kervaire invariant conjecture, and Institute. the use of equivariant and motivic methods Further information and application forms are available from the website at: www.newton.ac.uk/ more generally. It is also hoped to assess the programmes/MOS/mosw04.html. Closing date for the receipt of applications is 31 March 2011. prospects for using the methods to prove structural results about stable homotopy, and to report on progress which will have INVERSE PROBLEMS IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING taken place by the time of the meeting. The 12–16 December 2011 confirmed speakers are: in association with the Newton Institute programme entitled • P. Akhmetev (Izmiran, Troitsk) Inverse Problems • W. Browder (Princeton) (25 July – 21 December 2011) • R. Bruner (Wayne State) • M. Hill (Virginia) Organisers: M. Brown (Cardiff), T. Fokas (Cambridge), W. Symes (Rice). • M. Hopkins (Harvard) Theme of conference: Inverse problems are estimation problems in physical sciences and engineering. • J. Jones (Warwick) A problem as simple as weighing with a spring scale poses an inverse problem, but in recent years • J. Lannes (École Polytechnique, Paris) the term has come to be associated with the estimation of fields or distributed parameters. Many • T. Lawson (Minnesota) imaging problems partake of the same nature. Such problems are of critical importance in earth • M. Mahowald (Northwestern) sciences, biomedicine, materials science and mechanical engineering, and in many other subjects. These problems also give rise to many interesting and difficult mathematical and computational • M. Mandell (Indiana) science questions, and provide an arena in which contemporary mathematics can interact directly • J. Morava (Johns Hopkins) with the critical needs of scientists and engineers. • E. Pedersen (Copenhagen) This workshop will bring together applied mathematicians and scientists working in a number of • D. Ravenel (Rochester) disciplines in which inverse problems play a central role. Along a series of three overview lectures • S. Schwede (Bonn) and several invited seminars per day, the programme provides ample time for discussion and for • V. Snaith (Sheffield) contributed talks by the participants. The workshop is designed as an opportunity for specialists in The workshop is organized by John Greenlees various inverse problem types to exchange information and ideas. (Sheffield), Andrew Ranicki (Edinburgh) and Further information and application forms are available from the website at: www.newton.ac.uk/ Neil Strickland (Sheffield). For further infor- programmes/INV/invw05.html. Closing date for the receipt of applications is 31 August 2011. mation visit the website at www.icms.org. uk/workshops/kervaire.

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THE KERVAIRE INVARIANT MATHEMATICS IN DEFENCE

IN EDINBURGH The 2011 Mathematics in Defence conference At the 2009 Atiyah80 ICMS Workshop, Hill, will take place at the Defence Academy of the Hopkins and Ravenel announced a proof United Kingdom, Shrivenham, Swindon on 20 that there do not exist framed manifolds October 2011. with Kervaire invariant 1 in dimensions 2k – 2 Science and technology play an increasingly for any k ≥ 8. This solves the long-standing important role in equipping and supporting open Kervaire invariant problem (except for the armed forces. Mathematics is fundamen- dimension 126, the only dimension which tal to these disciplines, providing a framework now remains open), which has been of cen- for understanding and solving the varied and tral importance in homotopy theory for over complex problems faced. Mathematics and 40 years. statistics are used to model military systems An ICMS workshop on The Kervaire Invariant and scenarios. The information provided by and Stable Homotopy Theory will take place mathematical models can be used to estimate from 25 to 29 April 2011 in Edinburgh. The system performance, suggest improvements or principal objective of the workshop is to dis- find weaknesses of real systems. seminate the methods used in the solution This conference brings together a wide va- of the Kervaire invariant conjecture, and riety of mathematical methods with defence 17 the use of equivariant and motivic methods and security applications. The conference pro- more generally. It is also hoped to assess the gramme will include keynote speakers, contrib- prospects for using the methods to prove uted presentations and poster sessions as well structural results about stable homotopy, as refreshment breaks for informal discussions. and to report on progress which will have It is intended for mathematicians, scientists and taken place by the time of the meeting. The engineers from industry and academia, as well confirmed speakers are: as government and military personnel who • P. Akhmetev (Izmiran, Troitsk) have an interest in how mathematics can be • W. Browder (Princeton) applied to defence problems. The conference • R. Bruner (Wayne State) will cover the following theme groupings: • M. Hill (Virginia) • Data analysis • M. Hopkins (Harvard) • Modelling and estimation • J. Jones (Warwick) • Operational analysis • J. Lannes (École Polytechnique, Paris) • Security • T. Lawson (Minnesota) • Signal processing • M. Mahowald (Northwestern) • Statistical methods • M. Mandell (Indiana) This will be the second Mathematics in De- • J. Morava (Johns Hopkins) fence Conference; the first, held in 2009, was • E. Pedersen (Copenhagen) attended by over 160 delegates from a range • D. Ravenel (Rochester) of organisations including QinetiQ, Dstl, Thales, • S. Schwede (Bonn) the IMA, the MoD, academic establishments • V. Snaith (Sheffield) and international parties. The workshop is organized by John Greenlees For a full list of the conference themes (Sheffield), Andrew Ranicki (Edinburgh) and and further information visit the website at Neil Strickland (Sheffield). For further infor- www.ima.org.uk/Conferences/maths_in_ mation visit the website at www.icms.org. defence2011.html. The closing date for uk/workshops/kervaire. abstract submissions is 30 April 2011.

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NEWSLETTER www.lms.ac.uk/newsletter [email protected]

REASONING ABOUT PROGRAMS USING A SCIENTIFIC UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT METHOD Report WORKSHOP ON MULTIPLE ZETA VALUES, Peter O’Hearn, the speaker, reminded us of MODULAR FORMS AND ELLIPTIC MOTIVES the Verified Software Challenge (suggested 3–6 May 2011 by Hoare) of ‘the feasibility of providing proofs of a variety of software systems with Organisers: H. Gangl (Durham), R. Hain (Duke), O. Patashnick (Bristol). respect to a range of correctness properties’. He then described the use of the ‘Scientific Theme of conference: To explore connections between multiple zeta values and elliptic modular Method’ in a tool which obtained specifica- forms, and also connections between their l-adic and motivic analogues. Such a relationship tions of pre and post conditions from large was first observed by Zagier on the multiple zeta values side in the early nineties. He related the code bases. In this case the scientific method number of linear dependencies among double zeta values to the dimension of cusp forms for (as viewed by Pierce) is the process of form- SL (Z), a result that was recently made very explicit by Gangl, Kaneko and Zagier. In a related 2 ing an explanatory hypothesis via Abductive context, the dimension of said cusp forms figures prominently in a conjectured dimension formula for MZVs given by Broadhurst and Kreimer, a refinement of Zagier’s original dimension conjecture Inference. for which the upper bound has been proved by Goncharov and by Terasoma. The tool is called Abduct and includes 18 abduction as well as the `usual’ deduction. Around the same time as Zagier’s explorations, a very similar connection was independently Abduct involves the application of separa- discovered on the Galois-theoretic side by Ihara and Takao, who observed that the dimension of tion logic, an extended version of Hoare’s these same cusp forms equals the dimension of congruences between depth 2 elements of the generators of the infinitesimal Galois action on the unipotent fundamental group of the thrice punctured line. Later Schneps gave an explicit correspondence between cusp forms and these

congruences. Goncharov (in the mid-nineties) extended Zagier’s original result to SL3(Z) and in the process was led to introduce certain modular varieties which are mysteriously linked to Galois- theoretic objects, thereby already providing a first bridge between the two sides. It is tempting to believe that a deeper understanding of these connections will arise from a good definition of ‘elliptic zeta values’, which should ideally degenerate to multiple zeta values, and from a deeper study of their algebraic properties. The above relationships and tentative notions have already stimulated work by many other authors. It is hoped that this conference will help synthesize these works and shed light on their motivic significance. There will also be a prepara- tion day on 2 May. This day aims to provide background for students, as well as interested non-experts, through survey talks and more basic expositions of previous work, during which questions will be strongly encouraged, ideally leading to more in-depth discussions after the talks.

Conference speakers include: D. Broadhurst (Open University) H. Nakamura (Okayama) F. Brown (Jussieu) L. Schneps (Jussieu) B. Enriquez (Strasbourg) R. Sharifi (Arizona) G. Felder (ETH Zürich) T. Terasoma (Tokyo) Y. Ihara (RIMS) D. Zagier (Bonn and Paris) M. Kaneko (Kyushu)

Further information and application forms are available at: www.maths.bris.ac.uk/events/meetings/ “3 + 3 = 6. All computation is based on that.” uploads/8144Registration%20Form.pdf. Closing date for the receipt of applications is 4 April 2011.

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REASONING ABOUT PROGRAMS USING A SCIENTIFIC METHOD Report

Peter O’Hearn, the speaker, reminded us of logic which includes the possibility of up- the Verified Software Challenge (suggested datable field referencing from more than by Hoare) of ‘the feasibility of providing one point. The tool is composed of three proofs of a variety of software systems with phases: respect to a range of correctness properties’. 1. the deduction of ‘footprints’ of com- He then described the use of the ‘Scientific mands and procedure preconditions Method’ in a tool which obtained specifica- 2. the abduction or ‘filling in’ of missing tions of pre and post conditions from large parts of the precondition of code bases. In this case the scientific method the composed procedures (as viewed by Pierce) is the process of form- 3. the inductive generalisation of pre- ing an explanatory hypothesis via Abductive conditions and eventually synthesis of Inference. postconditions. The tool is called Abduct and includes Note that the intention is for the missing abduction as well as the `usual’ deduction. elements abduced during phase 2 to be of 19 Abduct involves the application of separa- minimal order as well as consistent. tion logic, an extended version of Hoare’s Experiments in running the tool on large open source programs were described and the proportion of procedures generating specifications indicated. The best result was the case of the IMap project which was com- posed of 226k lines of Code: in 450 seconds, spec- ifications for two-thirds of its procedures were found. Some caveats were men- tioned, however, for ex- ample the restrictiveness of corrective properties and that the (current) model ignores concurrency. Dr Margaret West (BCS-FACS) University of Huddersfield

The BCS-FACS evening seminar “3 + 3 = 6. All computation is based on that.” was a joint event with the LMS © ScienceCartoonsPlus.com held on Tuesday 6 November 2010.

Mar11-NL.indd 19 16/02/2011 16:36:35 THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER www.lms.ac.uk/newsletter [email protected]

REVIEWS (something James is quick to apologise for) Is God A Mathematician? by Mario Livio; is that of Emmy Noether. Having previously Simon & Schuster 2009, 320 pp, $26, ISBN-10: Driven to Innovate: A Century of Jewish read only brief accounts of her mathematics, 0-74329-405-X. Mathematicians and Physicists by Ioan James; I was intrigued by this account of her life My father told a story of, when he was a Peter Lang 2009, 312 pp, £25, 978-906165-22-2. and the perceptive comments on her person- boy in the 1920s, an old man who couldn’t It is well known that many notable mathe- ality given by her colleagues and students. believe that the music he heard on his new maticians and physicists have been of Jew- Amongst other things, we learn that she “cat’s whisker” wireless “has been float- ish descent, but in what way did this affect had a great rapport with her students and ing around in the air all these years and I’ve their lives and contribute to their success? In enjoyed spending time with them on long never heard it”. The similar puzzle ‘do we in- Driven to Innovate, the distinguished mathe- walks discussing mathematical topics. vent mathematics or discover it?’ prompts the matician (and former President of the LMS) James’ style, as I have said before, is pop- further question ‘is God a mathematician?’ Ioan James examines the lives of thirty-five ularist; he is not setting himself out to be – the title of this thought-provoking book. Jewish mathematicians and physicists born an historian and thus it would be unfair to This generalises beyond the realm of mathe- in the nineteenth century. Whilst many suf- judge him as one. But readers might be en- matics and, in the author’s words, “did God fered as a result of anti-Semitic prejudices or titled to expect more references and details create humans in his own image, or did circumstances, James also shows how their of sources. In many of the chapters there are humans invent God in their own image?” Jewishness played a positive part in their sizable quotations, which give illuminating This is challenging stuff, and easy answers achievements. and fascinating details about the character are too much to expect, but Mario Livio, like 20 The book begins with a brief but essen- in question, but sadly the specific source for a good philosopher, has justified the case for tial overview of Jewish history that contains these quotes is sometimes lacking. such questions in the context of the history background concerning the community and Despite this, it is a cleverly written book and development of mathematical thought ideology. James expresses his views and those riddled with Jewish history which gives it and practice. He has produced an erudite but of others as to why there have been so many both structure and purpose. James’ view, highly readable book, bringing to life some- prominent Jewish scientists, and explains that what these characters have in common thing of the personalities and vision of many what this collection of intellectuals has in is that they have all been in some way Driven of the great masters of our subject. Though common. to Innovate, seems valid and as one who is inevitably selective, the book nevertheless The biographies are grouped together (in James’ eyes) partially Jewish this book captures in a series of vignettes many of the chronologically with the majority from the has helped me to understand something of great advances which have shaped our famil- second half of the century. They are writ- my own Jewish heritage. iar mathematical landscape, and builds a con- ten in a pacey popular style that is easy to Noel-Ann Bradshaw vincing picture of Wigner’s “unreasonable read, and contain a wealth of appealing University of Greenwich effectiveness of mathematics” in describing anecdotes. As well as discussing the area and explaining the workings of the universe. of mathematics or physics that each We are introduced to the “mystics” of the person is noted for, James comments great Greek flowering of philosopher/math- on their relationships with other math- ematicians – Euclid’s geometry, Plato’s “self- ematicians of the time, their family life evident mathematical truths”, Pythagoras’ and, where applicable, how they were “natural laws” – who first identified those received as a teacher. It is these insights mysteries which form the philosophical basis into the characters of the subjects that for the rest of the book with its insistent I think students in particular will en- question. There follow the “magicians” joy, and I would urge them to read this – Archimedes, Galileo, Newton, Gauss – who book. were able to pull the “rabbits” of mathemat- One profile I particularly enjoyed, ical theory out of the “hat” of the physical possibly because it concerns the only world. Then, moving towards the present female mathematician in the book and day, the statisticians and probabilists, who one of a total of three women in all demonstrated the power of mathematics in

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(something James is quick to apologise for) Is God A Mathematician? by Mario Livio; understanding and predicting apparently is that of Emmy Noether. Having previously Simon & Schuster 2009, 320 pp, $26, ISBN-10: uncertain or even random behaviour, the read only brief accounts of her mathematics, 0-74329-405-X. geometers, with their departure from the I was intrigued by this account of her life My father told a story of, when he was a constraints of Euclid to a world apparently and the perceptive comments on her person- boy in the 1920s, an old man who couldn’t unencumbered with the requirement of ality given by her colleagues and students. believe that the music he heard on his new physical reality, but later providing the es- Amongst other things, we learn that she “cat’s whisker” wireless “has been float- sentials to understanding, or even describ- had a great rapport with her students and ing around in the air all these years and I’ve ing, some of the most fundamental aspects enjoyed spending time with them on long never heard it”. The similar puzzle ‘do we in- of particle physics or cosmology. Finally the walks discussing mathematical topics. vent mathematics or discover it?’ prompts the logicians, whose search for formalism in James’ style, as I have said before, is pop- further question ‘is God a mathematician?’ mathematics was halted in its tracks by “the ularist; he is not setting himself out to be – the title of this thought-provoking book. stake through the heart” of Gödel’s incom- an historian and thus it would be unfair to This generalises beyond the realm of mathe- pleteness theorems. judge him as one. But readers might be en- matics and, in the author’s words, “did God Each of these chapters lays a fascinating titled to expect more references and details create humans in his own image, or did historical trail, illuminated at each turn by of sources. In many of the chapters there are humans invent God in their own image?” anecdotes which bring the characters to life sizable quotations, which give illuminating This is challenging stuff, and easy answers as real human beings of every nature and and fascinating details about the character are too much to expect, but Mario Livio, like habit, influenced by their peers and the times in question, but sadly the specific source for a good philosopher, has justified the case for they inhabited, but so often ahead of them 21 these quotes is sometimes lacking. such questions in the context of the history in their vision and invention (or discovery?). Despite this, it is a cleverly written book and development of mathematical thought The stage is set for the final assault on the riddled with Jewish history which gives it and practice. He has produced an erudite but summit – is God indeed a mathematician? both structure and purpose. James’ view, highly readable book, bringing to life some- Here Livio has assembled an impressive col- that what these characters have in common thing of the personalities and vision of many lection of views on the existence (or not) of is that they have all been in some way Driven of the great masters of our subject. Though a mathematics independent of the human to Innovate, seems valid and as one who is inevitably selective, the book nevertheless mind, quite startling in their variation, but (in James’ eyes) partially Jewish this book captures in a series of vignettes many of the leaving me sitting on the fence kindly pro- has helped me to understand something of great advances which have shaped our famil- vided by his suggestion that mathematics my own Jewish heritage. iar mathematical landscape, and builds a con- is partly created by us (concepts) and partly Noel-Ann Bradshaw vincing picture of Wigner’s “unreasonable discovered (relations among those concepts). University of Greenwich effectiveness of mathematics” in describing Judgment on God’s role is left as an exercise and explaining the workings of the universe. for the reader, who might bear in mind that, We are introduced to the “mystics” of the even in the 17th century, Spinoza pondered great Greek flowering of philosopher/math- “whether we say that God has eternally ematicians – Euclid’s geometry, Plato’s “self- willed and decreed that the three angles of a evident mathematical truths”, Pythagoras’ triangle should be equal to two right angles, “natural laws” – who first identified those or that God has understood this fact”. mysteries which form the philosophical basis Every serious mathematician should read for the rest of the book with its insistent this book. It clothes its erudition (the notes question. There follow the “magicians” and bibliography alone are almost worth – Archimedes, Galileo, Newton, Gauss – who the price!) with humour and humanity, and were able to pull the “rabbits” of mathemat- encourages that deep contemplation of our ical theory out of the “hat” of the physical subject that is so often threatened by the world. Then, moving towards the present pressures of the modern world. day, the statisticians and probabilists, who John Brindley demonstrated the power of mathematics in University of Leeds

Mar11-NL.indd 21 16/02/2011 16:36:36 THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER www.lms.ac.uk/newsletter [email protected]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 6 Patterns, Nonlinear Dynamics and 7-10 14th Applied Stochastics Models and Applications (PANDA), Surrey (401) Data Analysis International Conference, This calendar lists Society meetings and other 10 An Introduction to Mathematical Rome, Italy mathematical events. Further information Neuroscience ICMS Training Workshop, 13-17 Stabilization of Dynamical Systems and may be obtained from the appropriate Edinburgh (400) Processes ICMS Workshop, Edinburgh (398) LMS Newsletter whose number is given in 11-13 BAMC 2011, Birmingham (398) 14 LMS Midlands Regional Meeting, brackets. A fuller list of meetings and events 11-13 Mathematical Neuroscience ICMS Birmingham (401) is given on the Society’s website (www.lms. Conference, Edinburgh (400) 15-18 Representation Theory Workshop, ac.uk/newsletter/calendar.html). 11-14 Random Structures and Dynamics Birmingham (401) Please send updates and corrections to Workshop, Oxford (400) 20-24 Geometric Analysis ICMS Workshop, [email protected]. 11-15 Derived Categories Workshop, INI, Edinburgh (398) Cambridge (399) 22-24 First British Conference on Mathematics MARCH 2011 11-16 Groups, Combinatorics, Computing of Filtering and Its Applications, Brunel 4-5 North British Functional Analysis Seminar, De Brún Workshop, Galway (398) 26 - 2 Jul New Developments in Non- Sheffield (401) 14-16 Young Researchers in Mathematics Commutative Algebra and Applications 10-12 Big Bang Fair, ExCeL, London (401) 2011 Conference, Warwick (398) ICMS Workshop, Sabhal M�r Ostaig, Isle of 14-18 Representations of Surface Groups 18-21 BMC 2011, Leicester (398) Skye (398) and Higgs Bundles Workshop, Oxford (398) 25-29 The Kervaire Invariant and Stable 27-29 Frontiers of Nevanlinna Theory 2: 22 16 One-Day Meeting in Combinatorics, Homotopy Theory ICMS Workshop, p-adic Function Theory and Arithmetic Oxford (400) Edinburgh (401) Dynamics, University College London (401) 16-18 Analysis Workshop, Imperial College 27 - 1 Jul Moduli Spaces Closing Conference, London (401) MAY 2011 INI, Cambridge (401) 21-25 Compressed Sensing LMS Invited 2 Multiple Zeta Values: Preparation Day, 27 - 1 Jul Signal Pocessing with Adaptive Lectures 2011, Cambridge (401) Bristol (401) Sparse Structured Representation, ICMS 21-25 Asymptotic Properties of Solutions to Workshop, Edinburgh (398) Hyperbolic Equations Conference, Imperial 3-6 Multiple Zeta Values, Modular Forms and 29 LMS Popular Lecture, Institute of College London (401) Elliptic Motives Workshop, Bristol (401) Education, London (401) 24 IMA Mathematics 2011 Conference, 5 LMS Spitalfields Day, INI, Cambridge London (400) 6 Women in Mathematics Day, London (401) 28-30 Frontiers of Nevanlinna Theory 1: 17 LMS–Gresham Lecture, London (401) JULY 2011 Overview, University College London (401) 19 Good Practice Award Workshop, 1 LMS Meeting, London De Morgan House, London (401) 28 - 1 Apr Discrete Harmonic Analysis 4-8 Theories of Infinity ICMS–ESF Meeting, 22-27 Progress on Difference Equations 2011, Workshop, INI, Cambridge (398) Edinburgh (398) Dublin (398) 29 The Symmetric Group: Representations 4-8 Gauge Theory and Complex Geometry, 27-28 Panhellenic Geometry Conference, and Combinatorics, Royal Holloway, Leeds Rion, Greece (401) University of London (400) 9-11 Quantum Cohomology, Symplectic Reso- 30 - 3 Jun MEGA 2011, Stockholm, Sweden lutions and Representation Theory Meeting, (400) Oxford APRIL 2011 31 - 3 Jun CHAOS 2011, Crete, Greece (400) 3-8 Topics in Probability, LMS–EPSRC Short 11-15 Numerical Relativity Beyond Astro- physics ICMS Workshop, Edinburgh (398) Course, Oxford (400) JUNE 2011 4-5 Nonlinear Waves and Solitons in 18-20 Toric Methods in Homotopy Theory Lattices Workshop, ICMS, Edinburgh (400) 6-8 Nonlinear Diffusion: Algorithms, Analysis Conference, Belfast (398) 4-8 Computational Challenges in Partial and Applications Workshop, Warwick (395) 18-22 Experiments for Processes with Time Differential Equations Meeting, Swansea 6-10 Oscillatory Integrals in Harmonic or Space Dynamics INI Workshop, Cambridge (392) Analysis ICMS Workshop, Edinburgh (398) (400)

Mar11-NL.indd 22 16/02/2011 16:36:36 www.lms.ac.uk/newsletter [email protected] No. 401 March 2011

6 Patterns, Nonlinear Dynamics and 7-10 14th Applied Stochastics Models and 18-22 ICIAM 2011, Vancouver, Canada (400) Applications (PANDA), Surrey (401) Data Analysis International Conference, 19 LMS Northern Regional Meeting, Leeds 10 An Introduction to Mathematical Rome, Italy (401) Neuroscience ICMS Training Workshop, 13-17 Stabilization of Dynamical Systems and 19-22 Homogeneous Structures Workshop, Edinburgh (400) Processes ICMS Workshop, Edinburgh (398) Leeds (401) 11-13 BAMC 2011, Birmingham (398) 14 LMS Midlands Regional Meeting, 21-22 Twistors in Geometry and Physics 11-13 Mathematical Neuroscience ICMS Birmingham (401) Meeting, Oxford (401) Conference, Edinburgh (400) 15-18 Representation Theory Workshop, 25-29 Introductory Workshop on Inverse 11-14 Random Structures and Dynamics Birmingham (401) Problems, INI, Cambridge (400 Workshop, Oxford (400) 20-24 Geometric Analysis ICMS Workshop, 29-31 IPMC 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan 11-15 Derived Categories Workshop, INI, Edinburgh (398) Cambridge (399) 22-24 First British Conference on Mathematics AUGUST 2011 11-16 Groups, Combinatorics, Computing of Filtering and Its Applications, Brunel 1-5 EQUADIFF 2011, Loughborough (400) De Brún Workshop, Galway (398) 26 - 2 Jul New Developments in Non- 1-5 Inverse Problems in Analysis and 14-16 Young Researchers in Mathematics Commutative Algebra and Applications 2011 Conference, Warwick (398) Geometry INI Workshop, Cambridge (400) ICMS Workshop, Sabhal M�r Ostaig, Isle of 9-12 Optimum Design for Mixed Effects Non- 18-21 BMC 2011, Leicester (398) Skye (398) 25-29 The Kervaire Invariant and Stable Linear and Generalised Linear Models INI 27-29 Frontiers of Nevanlinna Theory 2: Workshop, Cambridge (399) Homotopy Theory ICMS Workshop, p-adic Function Theory and Arithmetic 23 Edinburgh (401) 15-19 Design of Experiments in Healthcare Dynamics, University College London (401) INI Workshop, Cambridge (400) 27 - 1 Jul Moduli Spaces Closing Conference, 22-26 Analytic and Geometric Methods in MAY 2011 INI, Cambridge (401) Medical Imaging INI Workshop, Cambridge 2 Multiple Zeta Values: Preparation Day, 27 - 1 Jul Signal Pocessing with Adaptive (400) Bristol (401) Sparse Structured Representation, ICMS 29 - 1 Sep Algebra, Combinatorics, Dynamics OCTOBER 2011 3-6 Multiple Zeta Values, Modular Forms and Workshop, Edinburgh (398) and Applications, Queen’s University, 7-8 LMS South-West and South Wales Elliptic Motives Workshop, Bristol (401) 29 LMS Popular Lecture, Institute of Belfast Regional Meeting, Exeter 5 LMS Spitalfields Day, INI, Cambridge Education, London (401) 30 - 2 Sep Designed Experiments: Recent 20 Mathematics in Defence Conference, 6 Women in Mathematics Day, London (401) Advances in Methods and Applications INI Shrivenham (401) 17 LMS–Gresham Lecture, London (401) JULY 2011 Workshop, Cambridge (399) 19 Good Practice Award Workshop, 1 LMS Meeting, London De Morgan House, London (401) 4-8 Theories of Infinity ICMS–ESF Meeting, SEPTEMBER 2011 22-27 Progress on Difference Equations 2011, Edinburgh (398) Dublin (398) 5-9 European Women in Mathematics 4-8 Gauge Theory and Complex Geometry, 27-28 Panhellenic Geometry Conference, General Meeting, Barcelona (396) Leeds Rion, Greece (401) 5-9 Mathematical Imaging in Interaction 9-11 Quantum Cohomology, Symplectic Reso- 30 - 3 Jun MEGA 2011, Stockholm, Sweden with Biomedicine ICMS Workshop, Edinburgh lutions and Representation Theory Meeting, (400) (398) Oxford 31 - 3 Jun CHAOS 2011, Crete, Greece (400) 11-17 Turning Dreams into Reality ICME, 11-15 Numerical Relativity Beyond Astro- South Africa (388) physics ICMS Workshop, Edinburgh (398) 12-16 Networks: Stochastic Models for JUNE 2011 18-20 Toric Methods in Homotopy Theory Populations and Epidemics ICMS Workshop, 6-8 Nonlinear Diffusion: Algorithms, Analysis Conference, Belfast (398) Edinburgh (398) and Applications Workshop, Warwick (395) 18-22 Experiments for Processes with Time 19-23 Hyperbolic Conservation Laws and 6-10 Oscillatory Integrals in Harmonic or Space Dynamics INI Workshop, Cambridge Related Analysis with Applications ICMS Analysis ICMS Workshop, Edinburgh (398) (400) Workshop, Edinburgh (398)

Mar11-NL.indd 23 16/02/2011 16:36:36

JULY 2012 2-7 6th European Congress of Mathematics, Kraków, Poland (397) H.M. TAYLOR LMS member 1866–1914 G. & J. Hall, Wakefield

Henry Martyn Taylor, JP, MA, FRS, FRAS, FCPS Barrister-at-law, Fellow and Tutor of Trinity College, Cambridge LMS Council 1875, 1878–80

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