THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER No. 367 February 2008

Society MATHEMATICS POLICY ROUND-UP Meetings In early January, Makhan Singh highly beneficial, and that the and Events took up his post as the new policy generally goes against the project manager for the more Leitch agenda on lifelong learn-

2008 maths grads project, exploring ing and skills. It said, “We would Friday 8 February ways of increasing the numbers suggest that national needs Mary Cartwright taking mathematics-related would be best met by regarding Lecture, Oxford undergraduate courses. Makhan a much greater number of part- [page 3] has a wealth of experience that time mathematics ELQ students Monday 31 March will help him to take the project as exempt (or at least eligible for Northern Regional forwards. In particular, he has val- some degree of support via a tar- Meeting, Manchester uable project management skills geted allocation) than just those  [page 7] and has worked in other Widen- studying for a full (second) de- Friday 25 April ing Participation projects so he gree programme with substantial Women in has a full and practical apprecia- mathematical content. The sums Mathematics Day tion of what more maths grads involved would be very small as London [page 9] is aiming to achieve. Originally a proportion of the total math- training as an engineer, Makhan ematics spend, but would have a Monday 9 June has also spent time as a classroom substantial impact on take-up of Midlands Regional teacher. Makhan takes over from the opportunities for valuable re- Meeting, Birmingham Helen Orr who left the project in training and upskilling. Compen- Friday 4 July September; he will be based at sating for the deficiencies of the Hardy Lecture the University of Birmingham. past will take many years to rem- London The Mathematics Promotion edy.” The CMS also contributed Network, run by the Mathematics to the Select Committee inquiry Monday 15 September Promotion Unit, held a New Year on the same topic. SW & South Wales Drinks Party in January. This was The CMS is working with the Regional Meeting an opportunity for those work- Centre for Science Education Swansea ing in promoting mathematics (CSE) at Sheffield Hallam Univer- Monday 15 September to meet and exchange news, as sity on the mathematics elements Computer Science Day well as introducing Makhan to of a project to highlight careers in London the community. science, technology, engineering Friday 21 November The Council for the Mathemati- and mathematics (STEM). The CSE AGM, London cal Sciences (CMS) responded to won a contract from the Depart- the HEFCE consultation on With- ment for Children, Schools and 12–13 December drawal of Funding for Equivalent Families to create a programme Joint Meeting with or Lower Qualifications (ELQs). of support and guidance aimed the Edinburgh The response focused on the fact at increasing the number of Mathematical Society that studying even relatively small young people continuing their Edinburgh amounts of mathematics can be study of STEM subjects post-16, THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER No. 367 February 2008

by showing the wide range of careers avail- 24th in the world, compared with eighth in able through the study of STEM subjects. The 2000. The Royal Society produced a state of main elements are, first, to lead a campaign the nation report entitled The UK’s Science LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY to promote STEM careers awareness among and Mathematics Teaching Workforce which students, parents, teachers and information found that there was little reliable data on MARY CARTWRIGHT MEETING and advice guidance professionals. Second, the numbers of teachers in the UK, adding making available high quality information that schools and colleges faced “acute prob- Friday 8 February 2008, 4.30 pm about STEM careers, linked to subject and lems … in maintaining a strong science and Oxford University Museum of Natural History qualification choice, from the beginning of mathematics teaching force”. In particular, it Key Stage 3 through a variety of agents in- found that the number of unfilled vacancies Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW cluding subject teachers. for mathematics teachers was higher than for December saw the release of several reports any other subject. Mathematics of medicine: on the state of mathematics in UK schools. Caroline Davis breast cancer treatment and prevention Professor Julian Williams from Manchester Mathematics Policy and Promotion Officer University concluded that pupils plateau in Sir Richard Peto FRS (Oxford) mathematics between the ages of 11 and 14. A study produced by the Organisation for NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST Mary Cartwright Lecture Economic Co-operation and Development Valerie Beral FRS (Oxford)  found that UK secondary school students have Dr Peter M. Neumann, Tutor in Mathematics,  slipped down an international league table Queen’s College, Oxford and lately Chairman Valerie Beral and Richard Peto will of reading and mathematics standards. The of the UK Mathematics Trust, received an OBE describe worldwide evidence on the UK’s performance in mathematics was placed for his services to education. causes and treatment of breast cancer. The evidence comes from large-scale collaborations, where hundreds of researchers from around the world meet regularly in Oxford and contribute, for LMS Newsletter central review and analysis, information General Editor: Dr D.R.J. Chillingworth ([email protected]) on hundreds of thousands of women with breast cancer. The findings from Reports Editor: Dr S.A. Huggett ([email protected]) these international collaborations have Reviews Editor: Mr A.J.S. Mann ([email protected]) changed clinical practice over the last Administrative Editor: Miss S.M. Oakes ([email protected]) two decades. Consequently, large reductions in mortality from breast Editorial office address: London Mathematical Society, De Morgan House, 57–58 Russell Square, cancer are being seen. London WC1B 4HS (t: 020 7637 3686; f: 020 7323 3655; e: [email protected], w: www.lms.ac.uk) Typeset by the London Mathematical Society at De Morgan House; printed by Holbrooks Printers Ltd. There will be tea before the meeting from 4 pm at the Museum. The meeting will start at 4.30 pm with a short business meeting of the Society, Publication dates and deadlines: published monthly, except August. to which all are welcome. Items and advertisements by the first day of the month prior to publication. After the meeting a reception will be held at the Mathematical Institute from News items and notices in the Newsletter are free to be used elsewhere unless otherwise stated, 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm. The reception will be followed by a dinner at Carluccio’s at a although attribution is requested when reproducing whole articles. Contributions to the Newsletter cost of £26 per person, inclusive of wine. Those wishing to attend the dinner should are made under a non-exclusive licence; please contact the author for the rights to reproduce. The inform Susan Oakes ([email protected]) no later than Monday 4 February. LMS cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of information in the Newsletter. Views expressed There are limited funds available to contribute in part to the expenses of do not necessarily represent the views or policy of the London Mathematical Society. members of the Society or research students to attend the meeting. Charity registration number: 252660. Contact Isabelle Robinson ([email protected]) for further information. THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER No. 367 February 2008

THE CMS DIARY of response to the survey was pleasing, and the Autumn 2007 Council is grateful to those who replied. The aim of the survey is, over several years, to mon- springer.com The Council for the Mathematical Sciences met itor and respond to trends as they emerge and ABCD in De Morgan House on 12 November. produce robust information to inform policy Those who have followed the development statements and activities. Departments’ com- of the CMS in recent years will know that ments on their overall health were diverse, the Council has for some time been consid- ranging from ‘very healthy and expanding’ ering how its membership can be enhanced and ‘small but vibrant’ to ‘very hard pressed’ New from Springer to reflect better the mathematical sciences in and even ‘critical’. The 2007 survey has recently Number Story The Interactive Geometry Software the UK as a whole, both in terms of subject been distributed – all departments are encour- breadth and geographic representation. To aged to respond to help us create as full a From Counting to Cinderella.2 this end, the CMS has welcomed representa- picture as possible. Cryptography U. H. Kortenkamp, Pädagogische Hochschule, tives of the Operational Research Society (ORS) The Higher Education Funding Council for P. M. Higgins, University of Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany; J. Richter-Gebert, and the Edinburgh Mathematical Society (EMS) England (HEFCE) has recently launched consul- Essex, UK Technische Universität, München, Germany to its meetings in 2007, and has been working tations on proposals to withdraw funding for This is an introduction to the The new version of this well-known interactive geometry with them to develop a model for formalising ‘Equivalent or Lower Qualifications’ and on the development of numbers and software, has become an even more versatile tool than its their position. assessment and funding of higher education their applications. It blends easy predecessor. The geometry component extends the functionality to such spectacular objects as dynamic fractals,  The subject was considered in detail over research post-2008 in the form of ‘metrics’. The material with more challenging  the summer by each of the Founder Members, CMS has assembled working groups to engage ideas about infinity and complex numbers and is full of and the software includes two major new components: and with the approval of the IMA, LMS and with both of these issues – submissions will ap- examples. There are historical notes and short physical simulation such as of mechanical objects, virtual electronic devices, and electromagnetic properties. RSS, the Council for the Mathematical Sciences pear on the CMS website as they are made. digressions, while a final chapter provides the mathematical detail for those who would like to know agreed to offer Membership to the ORS and The CMS will meet Professor David Delpy, Version 2.0 2008. CD-ROM, with handbook more about the questions and techniques highlighted. the EMS. The CMS looks forward to building the new Chief Executive of the Engineering ISBN 978-3-540-33422-4 7 € 64,95 | £50.00 on the societies’ expertise in issues faced by and Physical Sciences Research Council, on 17 2008. XII, 324 p. 33 illus. Hardcover the mathematical sciences in Scotland and in January 2008. Matters to be considered are ISBN 978-1-84800-000-1 7 € 19,95 | £13.00 Isomonodromic Deformations and representing Operational Research. likely to include the role of mathematics within Frobenius Manifolds Regular readers of this diary will recall that EPSRC’s focus on strategic themes and the im- History of Mathematics some of the more recent meetings have been pact of the Comprehensive Spending Review An Introduction dominated by education issues. The Council and any resulting effects on the mathematical A Supplement C. Sabbah, CNRS, France reaffirmed that its core remit is issues affect- sciences programme budget. C. Smorynski, Westmont, IL, USA Based on a series of graduate lectures, this book ing the mathematical sciences in UK higher Martin Smith This unique book fills two gaps which exist in the provides an introduction to algebraic geometric education, research, business, industry and CMS Secretariat standard textbooks on the History of Mathematics. One methods in the theory of complex linear differential the public sector. In matters of mathemat- is to provide the students with material that could equations. Starting from basic notions in complex ics education in schools and colleges, its wish encourage more critical thinking. The second aim is to algebraic geometry, it develops some of the classical is to work as a complement to the Advisory RECRUIT A COLLEAGUE include the proofs of important results which are problems of linear differential equations and ends with Committee on Mathematics Education (ACME) typically neglected in the modern history of applications to recent research questions related to supporting and enhancing ACME’s stance from Do you know a colleague who is not a member mathematics curriculum. mirror symmetry. the perspective of CMS’s core audiences. CMS of the London Mathematical Society? Why not 2008. VI, 274 p. 42 illus. Hardcover 2008. Approx. 305 p. (Universitext) Softcover reviewed its own plan of work and agreed that invite them to join? An application form can ISBN 978-0-387-75480-2 7 € 39,95 | £30.50 ISBN 978-1-84800-053-7 7 € 46,95 | £30.50 proactive engagement with Chief Scientists in be found on the website at www.lms.ac.uk/ various government departments was a key contact/app_membership.html. The more who activity for 2008. join the Society, the stronger it will become, Easy Ways to Order for the Americas 7 Write: Springer Order Department, PO Box 2485, Secaucus, NJ 07096-2485, USA The meeting noted the results of the first and more can be done for the advancement, 7 Call: (toll free) 1-800-SPRINGER 7 Fax: 1-201-348-4505 7 Email: [email protected] or for outside the Americas 7 Write: Springer Distribution Center GmbH, Haberstrasse 7, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany 7 Call: +49 (0) 6221-345-4301 annual CMS-HoDoMS survey of the health of dissemination and promotion of mathematical 7 Fax: +49 (0) 6221-345-4229 7 Email: [email protected] mathematical sciences departments. The level knowledge. 7 Prices are subject to change without notice. All prices are net prices. 013514x THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER No. 367 February 2008

IMA-LMS NEXT STEP messages it may on occasion choose to do VISIT OF DR I. LOSEV Manchester from 1 to 12 February, Warwick so. The email address to use is nsicontact@ from 12 to 18 February, Edinburgh from 18 INITIATIVE REPORT btinternet.com. Dr Ivan Losev (Belarusian State University) will to 24 February and York from 24 to 29 Febru- There was a meeting of the NSI group on be visiting the mathematics departments at ary. He will give lectures at all four venues. 10 December when a draft outline struc- Manchester, Warwick, Edinburgh and York from Contact Alexander Premet (sashap@maths. ture of the report to be presented to the LMS INVITED LECTURE 2008 1 to 29 February. His research area is Lie theory man.ac.uk) nearer the time for the dates of two Councils of the LMS and the IMA was and geometric invariant theory. The current the lectures. The visit is supported by an LMS agreed. The group intends to produce this Professor Andrei Okounkov plan is for Dr Losev to visit the University of Scheme 2 grant. final report by March, though much work Random Surfaces will be needed to meet that deadline. Charles Goldie, LMS 7–11 April 2008 Charles Evans, IMA The 2008 LMS Invited Lectures will be LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY given by Professor Andrei Okounkov Comments sought (Princeton) on Random Surfaces. The NORTHERN REGIONAL MEETING Lectures will take place at the Institute The NSI group is developing a model that if implemented would lead to the replace- for Mathematical Sciences, Imperial Room G.107, Alan Turing Building ment of both the Institute of Mathematics College London from 7 to 11 April. University of Manchester and its Applications and the London Math-  There will also be lectures by Monday 31 March 2008  ematical Society by a new society. Nekrasov, Szendröi and others. As this work progresses, members are in- For further information contact Richard vited to send views directly to the group Thomas ([email protected]) 2.30 Opening of the meeting and can be assured that all comments re- or visit the website www.ma.ic.ac.uk/ Michael Field (University of Houston) ceived will be brought to the attention of the group at its next meeting. Although the ~rpwt/LMS.html. Rates of mixing for flows NSI group does not guarantee to reply to all 3.45 Tea NEW CHAIR FOR ACME: PROFESSOR ADRIAN SMITH FRS 4.30 Ursula Hamenstädt (Universität Bonn) Bowen’s construction for the Teichmüller flow

The Advisory Committee for Mathematics Chancellor of the University of London and 6.30 Dinner at the Tai Pan Restaurant Education (ACME) is delighted to announce the Treasurer for Universities UK. He served that Professor Adrian Smith, FRS has taken on the Advisory Committee to the UK Gov- For further details or to reserve a place at the dinner, which costs £25, including over ACME Chair from Sir Peter Williams, ernment Office for National Statistics from drinks, email Richard Sharp ([email protected]). FREng, FRS, from 1 January 2008. Professor 1996-1998; from 1991-1998 he was Statistical Smith has replaced Professor John McWhirt- Advisor to the Nuclear Waste Inspectorate The meeting will be followed by a workshop from 1 to 4 April on Ergodic Theory er, FREng, FRS, who had to withdraw. for the UK; and from 1982 to 1987 was ad- and Geometry. For further detail visit the website www.maths.man.ac.uk/~sharp/ Professor Adrian Smith is the Principal of viser on Operational Analysis for the Ministry etg.html or email Richard Sharp ([email protected]) or Mark Pollicott Queen Mary, University of London. Previ- of Defence. He has also worked with the UK ([email protected]). ously he was at Imperial College, London, Higher Education Funding Council and the where he was Head of the Mathematics De- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research There are funds available to contribute in part to the expenses of members of the partment, Chairman of the Board of Imperial Council. He chaired the Post-14 Mathematics Society or research students to attend the meeting and workshop. Requests for College Consultants and a member of the Inquiry which reported in 2004. He has been support, including an estimate of expenses, may be addressed to Richard Sharp Management and Planning Group. Adrian is President of the Royal Statistical Society and (email above). currently a member of the governing body of was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society the London Business School, is Deputy Vice- in 2001. THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER No. 367 February 2008

LMS HARDY LECTURER 2008

The 2008 LMS Hardy Lecturer is Professor Samuel Weinberger (University of Chicago and Hebrew WOMEN IN MATHEMATICS DAY 2008 University). During his visit to the UK he will give talks at Edinburgh, Liverpool and Durham The next Women in Mathematics Day will be held on Friday 25 April at De Morgan followed by the Hardy Lecture at the Society meeting in London on Friday 4 July. Professor House. Sessions will include talks by practising women mathematicians in a variety Weinberger will give the following lectures: of appointments and at different career stages. • Edinburgh, Monday 23 June: Playing the Novikov game contact Tom Lenagan ([email protected]) The organisers would be very grateful if all members could encourage women • Liverpool, Wednesday 25 June: Applications of quantitative topology mathematicians, particularly students (including final year undergraduates) contact Peter Giblin ([email protected]) and those at an early stage in their career, to attend this meeting. It is hoped • Durham, Monday 30 June: Topological methods for the analysis of large data sets that an opportunity to see women who are active and successful in mathematics, contact Michael Farber ([email protected]) and to meet them informally, will be beneficial. Feedback from previous meetings • London, Friday 4 July: Complexity, entropy and variational problems has shown that participants find this useful. While this is an occasion particularly contact Susan Oakes ([email protected]) for women active in mathematics to get together, men are certainly not excluded. Professor Béla Bollobás (Cambridge) the 2007 LMS Whitehead Prize Winner is the second Any postgraduates, postdocs or research assistants interested in giving a talk or speaker at the London meeting. There will also be a programme of events that day especially presenting a poster during the afternoon session should contact Dr Jennifer Scott for graduate students. ([email protected]) by 22 February. The names given are the local organisers from whom further information can be obtained. Programme  The Liverpool meeting is in collaboration with Manchester ([email protected]). For  general enquiries contact Stephen Huggett, LMS Programme Secretary. 10.30-11.00 Registration and coffee 11.00-13.00 Morning Session LMS INVITED LECTURES SERIES .00-11.40 Hilary Ockendon (Oxford) Spinning and weaving through Industrial Mathematics The Programme Committee will be con- livery of the text in a form suitable for .40-12.20 Alicia Kim (Bath) sidering proposals for the 2009 Invited publication. To optimise or not to optimise: An engineer’s perspective Lectures at its meeting on 21 February Enquiries about the Invited Lectures 2008. Proposals are now invited from any should be directed to the Programme Secre- .20-13.00 Gianne Derks (Surrey) member who, in addition to suggesting a tary at the Society ([email protected]). The Stability of localised waves and fronts topic and lecturer, would be prepared to deadline for the submission of a proposal is 13.00-14.20 Lunch and Poster Session (starting 13.30) organize the meeting at the member’s own Friday 15 February. Previous lecturers:

institution or a suitable conference centre. D. Zagier (1998) 14.20-16.00 Afternoon Session Postgraduate/Postdoc speakers A grant is given to the host department to A. Mielke (1999) support attendance at the lectures. B. Dubrovin (2000) 16.00-16.30 Tea and end of Poster Session The Society’s Invited Lectures series con- T. Goodwillie (2001) Followed by a meal for those able to stay. sists of meetings at which a single speaker P. van Moerbeke (2002) gives a course of about ten expository lec- M. Fukushima (2003) New this year: to encourage high quality posters, a £50 book token will be tures, examining some subject in depth, M.W. Davis (2004) awarded for the poster that is judged to be the WiM Day Best Poster 2008. over a five day period (Monday to Friday) M.F. Singer (2006) Limited funds are available to help with the travel costs of students attending during a University vacation. The meetings D. Ben-Zvi (2007) the event. Further details are available from Isabelle Robinson at the Society are residential and open to all interested. The 2008 Invited Lectures will be given by (contact details below). It is intended that the texts of the lectures Andrew Okounkov (Princeton) from 7 to 11 given in the series shall be published. In April 2008 at the Institute for Mathemati- To register please contact Isabelle Robinson, Administrative Officer addition to full expenses, the lecturer cal Sciences, Imperial College London. For (email: [email protected]). is offered a fee of £1,250 for giving the further information contact Richard Thomas The day is free for students and £5 for all others – payable on the day. course and a further fee of £1,500 on de- ([email protected]). THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER No. 367 February 2008

Science from Oxford NEWS FROM IMU Marcelo Viana 1 Executive Committee Member The IMU aims to promote and represent Math- From Quantum Cohomology to ematics at the global scale, in a world where Associate Members of IMU mathematicians move and collaborate freely At its 15th General Assembly in August 2006 at IntegrableSystems across national borders. In the past, substantial Santiago de Compostela, Spain the IMU intro- Martin A. Guest work and diplomatic skill were employed to try duced Associate Members as new type of IMU Explains what is behind the extraordinary success of quantum cohomology, and bring to the Union’s fold countries separated membership. In contrast to ordinary member- leading to its connections with many existing areas of mathematics as well as its by world political tensions, and establish IMU as ship an Associate Member does not need inde- appearance in new areas such as mirror symmetry. the truly international body it now is. In retro- pendent scientific activity. It is assumed that an spect, progress has been remarkable, particularly Associate Member is determined to develop OXFORD GRADUATE TEXTS IN MATHEMATICS dealing with the most developed countries. its mathematical landscape and has the will 328 pages | January 2008 | 978-0-19-856599-4 | Hardback | £45.00 But much has yet to be done for the IMU to to become an IMU Member after four to eight achieve comparable presence in the develop- years of associate membership. Ecuador and Atmospheric Turbulence ing world. The 2006 General Assembly (GA), Kyrgyzstan have just become associate mem- held at Santiago de Compostela, recommended bers of IMU. For more information visit: www. a molecular dynamics perspective that the role of IMU in support of Mathemat- mathunion.org/Members/Associate.html. Adrian Tuck ics in the developing world be enhanced and 10 Focuses on the direct link between molecular dynamics and atmospheric expanded. This is a different kind of challenge, Ramanujan Prize 11 variation, uniting molecular dynamics, turbulence theory, fluid mechanics and and one that is very much on the mind of the Jorge Lauret (38) of the Universidad Nacional non equilibrium statistical mechanics. Executive Committee. A number of initiatives de Córdoba in Argentina is the winner of the 176 pages | January 2008 | 978-0-19-923653-4 | Hardback | £45.00 are currently under way to address it. 2007 Srinivasa Ramanujan Prize. The Ramanu- In line with the report presented at the GA jan Prize was established at the Abdus Salam Mathematics Emerging 2006 by the Developing Countries Strategy International Centre for Theoretical Physics Group (DCSG), a Committee for Developing (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy, to honour young math- A Sourcebook 1540 - 1900 Countries (CDC) has been created with the ematicians who have conducted outstanding Jacqueline Stedall mission to devise new initiatives of the IMU in research in developing countries. The Ram- Examines the development of mathematics from the late16th to the end of the developing and economically disadvantaged anujan Prize is supported by the Norwegian 19th Century. Contains explanatory notes and original source material alongside countries, to search for funding to support the Academy of Science and Letters through the new translations. corresponding activities, and to establish institu- Abel Fund, with the cooperation of the Inter- tional partnerships with scientific organizations national Mathematical Union. For more infor- 744 pages | Feb 2008 | 978-0-19-922690-0 | Hardback | £39.50 with common goals. The CDC is to continue and mation visit: www.abelprisen.no/en. further develop the programs that have been previously run by the Commission for Develop- Bolyai Prize Algebraic Models in Geometry ment and Exchange and by DCSG. On 30 September 2007, László Lovász, current Yves Félix, John Oprea, and Daniel Tanré The EC is actively promoting applications for president of the International Mathematical membership of new countries, from all regions Union, received the Bolyai Prize which is given Aimed at both geometers needing the tools of rational homotopy theory to understand and discover of the globe, possibly as Associate Members by a private foundation, founded by five Hun- new results concerning various geometric subjects, and topologists who require greater breadth of of the IMU – see item below. The EC is also garian enterpreneurs who wanted to honour knowledge about geometric applications of the algebra of homotopy theory. strongly committed to continued improve- scientific achievements of Hungarian scholars, OXFORD GRADUATE TEXTS IN MATHEMATICS ment of geographical balance in the Union’s scientists, and - through the example of the 304 pages | March 2008 | 978-0-19-920651-3 | Hardback | £60.00 activities, aiming for a more correct represen- awardees - to encourage young people to pur- 304 pages | March 2008 | 978-0-19-920652-0 | Paperback | £27.50 tation of mathematicians working in develop- sue a career in research. ing countries in all the Union’s activities, both The above items are taken from the 26th issue of the For more information and ordering details, from the organizational and the academic IMU electronic newsletter IMU Net (see www.mathunion. please visit www.oup.co.uk/academic/science point of view. org/Publications/Newsletter) THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER No. 367 February 2008

MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY Associate Professor of Niigata University, for OF JAPAN his contributions to the new developments in Fujita-Kato theory for the Navier-Stokes 2007 Prizes equations and in particular for his work on Navier-Stokes flows in aperture domains and Cecil King The 2007 Autumn Prize, the Geometry Priz- around rotating bodies, and to Takeshi Hirai, Travel Scholarship es and Analysis Prize of the Mathematical Professor Emeritus of Kyoto University, for Society of Japan (MSJ) were awarded at the his contributions to the representation the- Annual Meeting of the MSJ in Tohoku Uni- ory of infinite symmetric groups with special The London Mathematical Society annually awards a £5000 versity in September 2007. reference to his work on irreducible repre- The Autumn Prize was awarded to Tada- sentations of infinite symmetric groups. Cecil King Travel Scholarship in Mathematics, to a young hisa Funaki, Professor of University of Tokyo, mathematician of outstanding promise. The Scholarship is for his outstanding contribution to stochas- awarded to support a period of study or research abroad, tic analysis on large scale interacting sys- FIFTH EUROPEAN CONGRESS typically for a period of three months. tems, in particular, on the Ginzburg–Landau OF MATHEMATICS ∇φ intersurface model and the low temper- The award is competitive and based on a written proposal ature limit of interacting Brownian parti- Travel grants describing the intended programme of study or research cles. The Autumn Prize of MSJ is awarded abroad and the benefits to be gained from such a visit. 12 to an individual who has made outstanding Council has set aside a sum of money to be 13 contributions within the past five years to used for making grants to mathematicians A shortlist of applicants will be selected for interview. Mathematics in the highest and broadest based in the UK who wish to attend the sense. Fifth European Congress of Mathematics, Applicants should normally be nationals of the UK or The Geometry Prizes were awarded to Amsterdam, 14–18 July 2008 (www.5ecm. Republic of Ireland, either registered for or having Shigeyuki Morita, Professor of University nl). The Society would particularly like to recently completed a doctoral degree at a UK University. of Tokyo, and Kenichi Yoshikawa, Associ- support those mathematicians at an early ate Professor of University of Tokyo. The stage in their career. Applications should be made using the form available on award to S. Morita was made in recognition People who are eligible are expected the Society’s website (www.lms.ac.uk/activities/cecil_king/ of his fundamental research work on map- to make an application to the Royal So- ping class groups, in particular, his discovery ciety: Royal Society grants are made to index.html) or from Isabelle Robinson at the Society of the Mumford-Morita-Miller characteris- applicants presenting their own paper or ([email protected]). The closing date for tic classes, which resolves the structure of poster or chairing a session. The deadline applications is Friday 22 February 2008. It is expected the stable cohomology algebra of mapping for applications to the Royal Society is that interviews will take place in London in late April or class groups. The award to K. Yoshikawa was 5 March 2007. Information and applica- early May. given for his outstanding research work on tion forms can be found on the website the Ray-Singer analytic torsion and its be- www.royalsociety.org. haviour on various moduli spaces, which de- People who are not eligible for a Royal rives, for instance, a geometric construction Society grant may apply to the London The Cecil King Travel Scholarship was established in 2001 of Borcherds modular forms for the moduli Mathematical Society for a grant, on by the Cecil King Memorial Fund. The award is made by space of K3 surfaces. forms obtainable from the LMS (susan. the Council of the London Mathematical Society on the The Analysis Prizes have been awarded [email protected]). Applications should be to Shigeki Aida, Professor of Osaka Uni- sent to Susan Oakes, The Administrator, recommendation of the Cecil King Prize Committee, versity, for his contributions to stochastic London Mathematical Society, to arrive nominated by the Society’s Education Committee. analysis in infinite dimensional spaces with before Wednesday 12 March 2008. They special reference to his work on functional will be considered by a Council Committee inequalities, symmetric diffusion processes, and the outcome will be made known to and semi-classical limits, to Toshiaki Hishida, the applicant before the end of March. THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER No. 367 February 2008

ROYAL SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL GRANTS holders and members of ICSU family organisa- can apply to support attendance at a meeting tions. Applications are made on paper (forms of their ICSU international scientific union as the The Royal Society’s International grants pro- Conference Grants available on the website) and paid retrospective- chief Royal Society delegate. It is also open to gramme enables high calibre UK scientists This scheme supports UK based scientists to ly upon production of valid invoices/receipts and the main UK representatives of other ICSU family to initiate collaborations, develop new skills present their own paper/poster or chair a ses- a report of the meeting. There are four dead- organisations. As above, applications are made and experience and exchange ideas with the sion at an overseas conference, where confer- lines a year in March, June, October and Decem- on paper and paid retrospectively on produc- world’s leading researchers. For all the schemes, ence participation is the main or sole purpose ber. ([email protected]) tion of valid invoices/receipts and a report of the UK-based scientist must apply. of visit. The objectives of the scheme are to the meeting. Applications can be made all year enable scientists to disseminate research find- ICSU Delegate Grants round but must be received at least four weeks Short Visits ings, establish collaborations and build inter- This scheme is normally open only to members of before the meeting. (international.policy@ This programme aims to support new and national reputations. Awards cover flight, con- the Society’s Scientific Unions Committee, who royalsoc.ac.uk) ongoing international collaborations by ference fees and subsistence costs for up to 10 providing mobility grants for visits lasting days. All countries covered. Quarterly dead- ROYAL SOCIETY ROSALIND KARL GRUENBERG between one week and 12 weeks to sup- lines. ([email protected]) port UK scientists hosting a visiting overseas FRANKLIN AWARD 2008 MEMORIAL MEETING scientist, or making a visit to an overseas South Africa–UK Science Networks Invitation to Nominate A half-day conference will be held at Queen scientist. Various countries covered (see This scheme is intended to initiate and encour- Mary, University of London during the after- website for details). Quarterly deadlines. age ‘bottom-up’ networking to develop new The Royal Society Rosalind Franklin Award is noon of Thursday 13 March in honour of the 14 (international.shortvisits@ royalsoc.ac.uk) and enduring partnerships between UK and designed to promote women in science, engi- late Emeritus Professor Karl Gruenberg. This 15 South African scientists, through one-to-one neering and technology (SET) and is funded by will be followed by a celebration of Karl’s life Joint Projects visits and workshop meetings. This scheme the Department for Innovation, Universities in the early evening. This programme is designed to enable inter- is funded by the Department for Innova- and Skills (DIUS). Further details will be posted on the School national collaboration by providing research- tion, Universities and Skills. See website for The award, consisting of a medal and of Mathematical Sciences website (www. ers with a small mobility grant to cover travel, deadlines. £30,000, is made annually to an individual for maths.qmul.ac.uk). Queries can be addressed subsistence and research expenses for up to an outstanding contribution to any area of to Dr DJ Collins at [email protected]. two years. The collaboration should be based Ghana/Tanzania–UK Science Networks SET. As part of the nomination process nomi- on a single project including two teams or The Society extended its regional focus from nees are asked to put forward a proposal for a KCL OPEN DAY individuals: one based in the UK and the South Africa to Ghana and Tanzania following project that would raise the profile of women other based outside the UK. A relationship the joint science academies’ G8 statement on in SET in their host institution and/or field of King’s College London is holding a Postgradu- between both parties should already be Science and Technology for Africa Develop- expertise in the UK. The recipient of the award ate Open Day on Friday 15 February. Research established prior to making an application. ment in 2005. This scheme provides support will be expected to spend a proportion of the degrees are offered in Analysis and Partial The collaboration should involve bilateral for short thematic workshops (5 days) or one- £30,000 award fund on implementing their Differential Operators, Number Theory, Geo- visits between the UK and the country with week exploratory visits, either in the UK or in project. The recipient will also be asked to de- metric Lie Theory, Disordered Systems and which the overseas collaborator is based. Ghana/Tanzania. It is part of a wider effort to liver a lecture at the Society. Neural Networks, Theoretical Physics and Various countries covered (see website for assist the science communities of Ghana and There are no restrictions on the age of nomi- Financial Mathematics and Applied Prob- details). Quarterly deadlines. (international. Tanzania and their Higher Education Institu- nees, but it is anticipated that the award will ability. Taught MSc programmes are offered [email protected]) tions (HEI) in their efforts to undertake cutting be made to someone in their mid-career and in Pure Mathematics, Mathematical Physics, edge research and provide high quality train- actively involved in scientific research. Nomi- Financial Mathematics, Information Process- Incoming Fellowships ing. ([email protected]) nations are welcomed for both women and ing and Neural Networks and Theoretical The Society offers incoming Fellowships to men. Physics. allow outstanding postdoctoral scientists from ICSU Business Meeting Grants For full details of the award and guidelines Further information contact Miss Rebecca various countries to undertake high quality The Society runs two schemes to support for nomination, including the online nomina- Cullen, Postgraduate Administrator, Math- research in the UK. The award covers subsist- attendance at meetings of international scien- tion forms, visit royalsociety.org/franklin. Clos- ematics Department, King’s College London, ence, research and travel expenses. Various tific unions and other ICSU family organisations ing date for nominations: Monday 25 February Strand, London WC2R 2LS (tel: 020 7848 2107, countries covered. (international.fellowships@ on ICSU family business. The business meeting 2008. Details of all medals and awards can be email: [email protected], website www. royalsoc.ac.uk) grants scheme is open to all UK based office- found at royalsociety.org/awards. mth.kcl.ac.uk/ postgraduate/openday2008). THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER No. 367 February 2008

50th British Applied Mathematics Colloquium

31 March – 3 April 2008

Plenary Speakers Alan Champneys (Bristol) Alistair Fitt (Southampton) Ray Goldstein (Cambridge) Paul Martin (Colorado Sch. Mines) Paul Steinhardt (Princeton) Endre Süli (Oxford)

Public Engagement Lecture 16 Tom Mullin (Manchester) 17

Minisymposia Asymptotics Beyond All Orders BAMC: The First Fifty Years Experimental Fluids Fluid Mechanics of Climate Change Homogenisation/Multiscale Methods in Solid Mechanics Industrial Mathematics Inverse Problems Rheology of Complex Systems Violent Flows with Free Surfaces

Participation is open to researchers in all areas of applied and applicable mathematics. The Colloquium will be broad in scope and, while still providing a forum for the subjects in which British applied mathematics traditionally has strength, will seek to identify and highlight developing areas. We particularly encourage active involvement from younger researchers (postdocs and PhD students).

As this will be the 50th BAMC we hope to make it a little special! We will be including a general-interest lecture in the programme, a couple of historical activities, and will be running an outreach day for year 12/13 (sixth-form) school students on Tuesday 1st April.

http://www.maths.manchester.ac.uk/bamc/ (registration/booking) THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER No. 367 February 2008

GEOMETRIC ANALYSIS, operadic algebras, differential graded Our goal for the meeting is to stimulate theory which are likely to be relevant to and derived categories, Calabi-Yau man- a further flow of ideas in both directions, future studies of the brain. ELASTICITY AND PDEs ifolds and algebras, topological con- and encourage experts to consider how The meeting will consist of invited speak- A workshop on Geometric Analysis, Elas- formal field theories, noncommutative advances in toric topology might feed ers and registered participants though will ticity and PDEs, on the 60th birthday of geometry. The following people have back into their own fields. This will help be limited to 75 people. The schedule will John Ball, will be held from 23 to 27 June provisionally accepted an invitation to to bring the subject to maturity. allow for a number of poster presentations. at the Maxwell Institute and Department deliver a talk. The programme of the conference will The invited speakers are: of Mathematics, Heriot-Watt University, • A. Bondal (Moscow) be built around two keynote lectures per • Pete Ashwin (University of Exeter) Edinburgh. The meeting is directed by a • T. Bridgeland (Sheffield) day during the first and last two days. On • Wyeth Bair (University of Oxford) scientific committee co-chaired by Pro- • J. Chuang (Bristol) Wednesday 9 July, Professor Sergei No- • Paul Bressloff (University of Utah) fessors Jerry Bona of Illinois and Jerry • V. Ginzburg (Chicago) vikov has agreed to contribute the 2008 • Rodica Curtu (University of Brasov) Marsden of CalTech. • B. Keller (Paris 7) Adams Lecture, and to formally open the • Brent Doiron (University of Pittsburgh) The workshop will concentrate on • S. Merkulov (Stockholm) Frank Adams Seminar Room in MIMS; a • Gaute Einevoll (Norwegian University of modern aspects of PDE using analyti- • B. Tsygan (Northwestern) member of Frank’s family expects to be Life Sciences) cal and geometric methods, including • U. Tillmann (Oxford) in attendance. Four of the keynote speak- • William Kath (Northwestern University) recent developments in the calculus of • A. Voronov (Minnesota) ers are topologists with a wide spread of • David Liley (Swinburne University of variations, systems of conservation laws, • M. Weiss (Aberdeen) interests, and four are experts in relevant Technology) and transport equations. A number of Prospective participants are invited external areas. • David Pinto (University of Rochester) 18 applications will be considered, such as to contact Andrey Lazarev ([email protected]. For further details see the website www. • Mark van Rossum (University of Edin- 19 continuum mechanics, especially nonlin- uk). The workshop is supported by any mims.manchester.ac.uk/events/workshops/ burgh) ear elasticity, the structure of materials, LMS conference grant and the Univer- NHTT08/. The conference is partially fund- • Simon Schultz (Imperial College, Lon- and biomaterials. The speakers at the sity of Leicester. For further details ed by an LMS grant. don) workshop are of the highest international visit the website www2.le.ac.uk/depart- The conference will be preceded by a • Piotr Suffczynski (University of Warsaw) calibre, ranging from two Fields Medal- ments/mathematics/extranet/conferenc- workshop on New Directions in Toric To- • David Terman (University of Ohio) ists to outstanding young researchers. es/alg_struct08. pology (supported by MIMS) from 4 to 5 • Henry Tuckwell (Max Planck Institute) The workshop is part of the activities of July, and has been awarded the status of • Andre Longtin (University of Ottawa) the Maxwell Institute Centre for Analysis Satellite Meeting to the 5th ECM in Am- (tbc) and Nonlinear PDEs (www.maxwell.ac.uk/ NEW HORIZONS IN TORIC sterdam, which takes place the following The registration fee for the conference PDEs/index.html) and is also supported by week. is £50.00. A one-day training workshop for EPSRC through the International Centre TOPOLOGY PhD students and post-docs entitled An in- for Mathematical Sciences. Details of the A conference on New Horizons in Toric troduction to Mathematical Neuroscience meeting can be viewed at www.icms.org. Topology (NHTT008) will take place at MATHEMATICAL NEUROSCIENCE will also take place prior to the meeting uk/workshops/pde. MIMS, University of Manchester from 7 on 16 March. Some financial assistance is July to 11 July. Toric topology came of age This three-day conference, to be held at available to assist graduate students who at a successful international meeting in the Royal Society of Edinburgh from 17 to attend both the training workshop and the ALGEBRAIC STRUCTURES IN Osaka during May/June 2006, and is now 19 March, will provide an overview of the conference. recognized as a genuine subdiscipline of current state of research in mathemati- The scientific organisers are Professor GEOMETRY AND PHYSICS algebraic topology; it combines areas such cal approaches to neuroscience, bringing Stephen Coombes (University of Notting- This workshop will take place in the as cobordism theory, equivariant topology, together both physical and life scientists. ham) and Dr Yulia Timofeeva (University of Department of Mathematics, Univer- homotopy theory, model category theory, Drawing together the field in this way Warwick). The training workshop organiser sity of Leicester, from 21 to 25 July. and simplicial topology in a novel man- will allow for a critical discussion of the is Dr Mark van Rossum (University of Ed- Its focus will be on new developments ner. Much of the input and motivation, relevant experimental facts and of vari- inburgh). Further details of this meeting, in algebraic geometry, topology and however, has been from external sources, ous mathematical methods and techniques including how to register, may be found at homological algebra inspired by the such as algebraic geometry, the theory of that have been successfully applied to date. www.icms.org.uk/workshops/mathneuro. ideas coming from theoretical physics. arrangements, convex geometry, algebraic Importantly, it will draw attention to, and Enquiries should be addressed to Irene The relevant topics include: operads and combinatorics, and symplectic geometry. help develop, those pieces of mathematical Moore ([email protected]). THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER No. 367 February 2008

THE FIELDS INSTITUTE UNDERSTANDING CELLULAR

The following upcoming programmes CALCIUM SIGNALS are scheduled at the Fields Institute, Following the successful Calcium meeting ISAAC NEWTON INSTITUTE FOR MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES Toronto: in 2006, there will be another workshop on WALL BOUNDED SHEAR FLOWS: TRANSITION & TURBULENCE • New trends in harmonic analysis Understanding Cellular Calcium Signals at the January–June 2008 Cripps Hall Library, University of Nottingham 8–12 September 2008 on 4 April. The one-day event aims at bridg- • Arithmetic geometry, hyperbolic geometry ing the gap between experimentalists and in association with the Newton Institute programme entitled and related topics The Nature of High Reynolds Number Turbulence theoreticians working on various aspects of September–December 2008 (26 August to 19 December 2008) the intriguing dynamics of cellular Calcium. • O-minimal structures and real analytic Invited speakers are: geometry • Martin Falcke Workshop Organisers: Peter Davidson (Cambridge), Rich Kerswell (Bristol), Hassan Winter/Spring 2009 (Hahn-Meitner Institute, Berlin) Nagib (Illinois Institute of Technology), Tim Nickels (Cambridge) and Katepalli • Financial mathematics Hierarchic modelling of intracellular Ca2+ Sreenivasan (ICTP) Winter/Spring 2010 oscillations • Llewelyn Roderick Themes will include: See www.fields.utoronto.ca/programs/ (Molecular Signalling, Babraham Institute, 20 scientific for links to these and other Cambridge) • Shear flow as a dynamical system 21 events. To be informed of upcoming Nuclear inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced • Spatiotemporal dynamics of transition Scientific Activities subscribe to the Ca2+ signals control cardiac hypertrophy • The role of coherent structures mailing list at www.fields.utoronto. • Krasimira Tsaneva (Mathematics, Bristol) • Near-wall and outer scale interactions ca/maillist. Calcium regulation of spontaneous and • Scaling and universality receptor-controlled electrical activity in • The importance of flow geometry pituitary somatotrophs GEOMETRIC AND ANALYTIC • Helen Kennedy Speakers will include: METHODS IN GROUP THEORY (Neuroscience, Bristol) Calcium signals at the efferent synapse of • Ron Adrian (Arizona) • Paul Manneville (Paris) A meeting on Geometric and Analytic Meth- developing inner hair cells • Jean-Marc Chomaz (Paris) • Ivan Marusic (Melbourne) ods in Group Theory will be held on 15 Feb- • Yulia Timofeeva • Bruno Eckhardt (Marburg) • Charles Meneveau (Baltimore) ruary at the University of Southampton. The (Computer Science, Warwick) • Dan Henningson (Stockholm) • Tom Mullin (Manchester) speakers will include: Calcium and electrical signalling in neural • Javier Jimenez (Madrid) • Lex Smits (Princeton) • Alain Valette (Neuchâtel) cells • Shigeo Kida (Kyoto) • Fabian Waleffe (Madison) • Pierre-Emmanuel Caprace (IHES) • John Love • John Kim (Los Angeles) • Dessislava Kochloukova (University of Campinas, (Plant Sciences, Exeter) Brazil) Non-invasive calcium imaging in plant cells, Further information and application forms are available from the web at: This meeting is supported by an LMS tissues and organs www.newton.cam.ac.uk/programmes/HRT/hrtw01.html. Completed application Scheme 3 grant, and applications for fi- Please note that the number of partici- forms should be sent to Tracey Andrew, Programme & Conference Secretary, nancial support for attendance by PhD pants will be limited to around 50 and that Isaac Newton Institute, 20 Clarkson Road, Cambridge CB3 0EH or via email to: students are warmly welcomed. Contact there will be no registration fee. Places will [email protected]. Professor Graham Niblo (G.A.Niblo@so- be assigned on a first come – first serve ba- ton.ac.uk) for details. Further details of sis. Email Rüdiger Thul (ruediger.thul@not- Closing date for the receipt of applications is 16 May 2008. the meeting will be published at www. tingham.ac.uk) to register. For further details personal.soton.ac.uk/gan/Scheme3. visit the website www.maths.nottingham. html. ac.uk/personal/rt/workshop08. THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER No. 367 February 2008

LMS ANNUAL GENERAL and for any real number H with the modulus smaller than a certain constant depending on RECORDS OF PROCEEDINGS MEETING the curve there are at least two geometrically Friday 23 November 2003 distinct constant mean curvature H surfaces AT MEETINGS spanning the curve and yielding the same ori- A large audience attended two very different entation on it. A sharp result on the existence ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING but equally impressive talks. The first one was of such a surface, the so-called ‘small’ solution, given by Professor Michael Struwe who spoke was published in 1970 by S. Hildebrandt, who held on Friday 23 November 2007 at University College London. About 75 members on geometric energy quantisation. The earliest improved earlier results by E. Heinz and H. and visitors were present for all or part of the meeting. example of geometric energy quantisation is Werner. The proof of the existence of another The meeting began at 3:15 pm, with the President, Professor J.F. TOLAND, FRS, probably the so-called bubbling phenomenon H-surface, the so-called ‘large’ solution, re- FRSE, in the Chair. Members who had not yet voted were invited to hand their bal- for harmonic maps discovered and studied by quires the use of the Mountain Pass Theorem lot papers to Professor A.R. Camina and Professor P.T. Saunders, the Scrutineers. J. Sacks and K. Uhlenbeck (1981). Their key in a situation where the Palais-Smale condi- Copies of the Annual Report on Activities of the Society were made available observation was that the lack of compactness tion may fail at a certain critical level. This is and the President invited questions. is caused by concentration of energy at iso- a typical variational problem with a lack of The Treasurer, Professor N.M.J. Woodhouse, presented his annual report. Messrs lated points and that a rescaling near these compactness which requires a careful analy- Kingston Smith were re-appointed as auditors for 2007/08. points of concentration – the blow-up analysis sis of possible defects of strong convergence Seven people were elected to Ordinary Membership: A.N. Bartholomew, R. – leads to nonconstant harmonic maps from a – bubbles. These difficulties were overcome 22 Clifford, N.P. Dirr, C. Drutu, S. Gerke, S. Gutierrez de Gracia, H. Khudaverdian and 2-sphere, usually referred to as bubbles. by the speaker and by H. Brezis and J.M. Coron 23 six were elected to Associate Membership: N. Brannstrom, E. Hanbury, V. Kontis, The speaker used two famous problems to who proved Rellich’s conjecture in the early S.M. Prendiville, E.R. Vaughan, J. Zhao. Three members signed the book and were explain the main ideas of this beautiful part 1980s. admitted to the Society. of mathematics: Rellich’s conjecture on H-sur- The Yamabe problem is the assertion that The President, on Council’s behalf, presented certificates to the 2007 Society faces and the Yamabe problem. The former for any compact smooth Riemannian mani- Prizewinners: De Morgan Medal: Professor Bryan Birch; Senior Whitehead Prize: asserts that for any simple closed rectifiable fold of dimension greater than or equal to 3 Professor Béla Bollobás; Naylor Prize and Lectureship in Applied Mathematics: curve in three-dimensional Euclidean space there exists a metric which is conformal to the Professor Michael Green; Whitehead Prizes: Dr Nikolay Nikolov, Dr Oliver Riordan, Dr Ivan Smith and Dr Catharina Stroppel. The General Secretary outlined the purpose of proposed changes to the By-Laws and reported one minor change in words. Members approved the changes. Professor Michael Struwe gave a lecture entitled Geometric energy quantization. After tea, Professor Saunders announced the results of the ballot. The follow- ing Officers and Members of the Council were elected: President: E.B. Davies; Vice Presidents: D.G. Larman, F.A. Rogers; Treasurer: N.M.J. Woodhouse; General Secretary: C.M. Goldie; Programme Secretary: S.A. Huggett; Publications Secretary: K.J. Falconer; Education Secretary: C.J. Budd; Members-at-Large of Council for two years: J.E. Barrow-Green, S.N. Chandler-Wilde, P.J. Davies, I.G. Gordon, A. Laptev, B.J. Totaro. Council membership is completed by the following who were elected for two-year terms in 2006: A. Borovik, D.E. Buck, H.G. Dales, R.M. Thomas, A.J. Wilkie, E. Winstanley. The following members were elected to the Nominating Committee: C.A. Hobbs, M. Reid. The newly-elected President, Professor E.B. DAVIES, FRS, took the Chair. The re- tiring President, Professor J.F. Toland, FRS, FRSE, then gave his Presidential address on Skating on thin ice. After the meeting, a reception was held at De Morgan House, followed by the Annual Dinner, which was held at the Hotel Russell and attended by 83 people. J. Toland B. Birch B. Bollabás C. Stroppel N. Nikolov M. Green I. Smith O. Riordan Prize Winners 2007 THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER No. 367 February 2008

original one and which has a constant scalar prescribed function of the curvature, altitude Following the meeting, many members and curvature. H. Yamabe attempted to solve this and slope of the curve. This problem can be guests enjoyed the traditional drinks reception problem in 1960, but his proof contained a reduced with the help of a conformal map- at De Morgan House and the Annual Dinner gap. The proof was repaired by N. Trudinger ping to finding critical points of a Lagrangian at a nearby hotel in 1968 under a restrictive assumption on the with a non-affine constraint. The latter leads Eugene Shargorodsky manifold. This assumption was removed by to a difficulty not entirely unrelated to those King’s College London T. Aubin in 1976 for manifolds of dimension discussed in the first talk, namely to the loss of greater than or equal to 6. The more diffi- compactness: the weak limit of a maximising SPITALFIELDS DAY cult case of dimensions 3, 4 and 5 was settled sequence might not be a maximiser as it may in 1984 by R. Schoen who used the positive fail to satisfy the constraint. This difficulty can A Spitalfields Day, Yggdrasil: Reconstructing mass theorem of general relativity proved by be overcome by reduction to a saddle-point the Tree of Life, took place at the Isaac New- him and S.-T. Yau. A different approach to problem for a modified functional. The tech- ton Institute (INI) on 6 December 2007. This the Yamabe problem was introduced by R.S. Retiring President J.F. Toland hands over the Presidential nical tools involved in the analysis include the event was organized in conjunction with the Hamilton who suggested considering the heat Badge to newly-elected President E.B. Davies. Hilbert transform and the Hardy spaces on the INI’s four-month programme in Phylogenet- flow for the Yamabe energy. Recent papers Wang); and unit disk. The main result is the existence of a ics, with participants drawn from INI fellows, by H. Schwetlick and M. Struwe (2003) and • the Willmore flow (E. Kuwert and R. Schätzle). smooth solution of the free-boundary prob- undergraduate and graduate students, and S. Brendle (2005) contain a detailed blow-up The talk ended with a list of open problems. lem under suitable restrictions on the stored other visitors. Yggdrasil, the World Tree in analysis of concentration on spherical bubbles The title of Professor John Toland’s presi- energy function. Norse mythology, provides a vivid image for 24 for the Yamabe flow and a proof of its global dential address was Skating on thin ice and the mathematical field which seeks to uncover 25 convergence to a constant scalar curvature many felt that was an excellent metaphor for evolutionary relationships from metric for manifolds of dimensions 3, 4 and the presidency of the LMS. The speaker con- biological data, such as DNA or 5. The Yamabe problem is another example firmed that that was indeed one of the rea- protein sequences. of a variational problem where loss of com- sons for choosing the title and started his talk The meeting opened with an pactness happens at quantised energy levels by showing a picture of Sir Henry Raeburn’s introduction by Ben Garling, determined by the energy of bubbles. Stru- painting Reverend Robert Walker Skating on former Officer and Executive we’s global compactness result for problems Duddington Loch which is kept in the National Secretary of the LMS, who ex- involving limiting nonlinearities (1984) gives a Gallery of Scotland. Continuing on a light note plained the history and tradi- microscopic description of concentration with he mentioned the paper Skating on Thin Ice tion of Spitalfields Days. Then no unaccounted energy loss. published in 1916 in the Philosophical Maga- four internationally renowned The final part of the talk was a brief review zine by Sir Alfred George Greenhill who was speakers gave expository lec- of other results on geometric energy quantisa- the President of the LMS in 1890-1892 and the tures highlighting different tion and related fields including first British plenary speaker at an International aspects of phylogenetics. • concentration-compactness (P.-L. Lions); Congress of Mathematicians (1904). This intro- The first talk, by biologist • pseudo-holomorphic curves (M. Gromov); duction prepared the audience for the main Peter Lockhart of Massey Uni- • bubbling for harmonic maps (T.H. Parker; J. topic of the talk – a mathematical study of versity (NZ), introduced the Qing and G. Tian); steady two-dimensional periodic waves on an problem of inferring phylo- • blow-up analysis for semi-linear elliptic equa- infinitely deep irrotational fluid moving under genetic trees for chloroplasts, tions involving exponential (H. Brezis and F. the influence of gravity and bounded above by emphasizing the mathemati- Merle; Y. Li and I. Shafrir) and critical square- a heavy, frictionless, thin elastic sheet. cal and biological difficulties exponential (Adimurthi, O. Druet, F. Robert, The latter can be thought of as a sheet of ice, of modeling the process of M. Struwe) nonlinearities; hence the title of the talk! The corresponding evolution in such organelles. • Q-curvature (M. Struwe and A. Malchiodi; O. mathematical model is a geometric free-bound- This was followed by compu- Druet, E. Hebey, F. Robert); ary problem: to find a non-self-intersecting ter scientist Tandy Warnow’s • multivortex solutions in Chern-Simons gauge curve in the plane which is the zero contour of “While we’re working on the secret of life, Dr Helmholz, there, (University of Texas, USA) talk theory and mean field equations (M. Struwe a harmonic function and at which the normal is trying to unravel its meaning.” on computational issues in phy- and G. Tarantello; W. Ding, J. Jost, J. Li and G. derivative of the same harmonic function is a © Sidney Harris logenetics, which highlighted THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER No. 367 February 2008

most likely to produce an exceptional of data miners but rather it explains vintage. One such algorithm has been the concepts surrounding the problem, based on winter rainfall, average grow- in ways that can be easily understood. (Photo credit) (Photo credit) ing season temperature and harvest Personally I would have appreciated a rainfall. Mathematically speaking it is little bit more mathematical content not hard to see that, when formulated but I am sure that’s missing the point. correctly, this approach will often pro- We seem to live in a very anti-statistical duce good results. Similar algorithms society: newspaper reports continually have been designed to predict which misinterpret statistics and the general films will become tomorrow’s blockbust- public seems loath to use them in any ers and which trading rules to use when meaningful way. Now we have a book investing in the stock market. Obvious- devoted to statistical analysis that hard- ly mathematical modelling, statistical ly mentions it! analysis and data mining have been Only in the final chapter are stand- around for a long time but what makes ard deviations and means mentioned Andreas Dress, of The CAS–MPG Partner Institute Participants discuss the talks super crunching super new is the enor- and this is merely in the context of a for Computational Biology in Shanghai, discusses the Tree of LIfe. mous quantity of past data that can now heart-warming anecdote concerning be analysed in a comparatively short Ayres’ nine-year-old daughter, Anna, 26 connections between graph theory and com- ing his points with memorable analogies. He space of time. who appears to use them unprompted 27 binatorics and methods of phylogenetic tree further drew attention to some of the com- When faced with the decision con- in order to make informed decisions. reconstruction. binatorial aspects of current research projects cerning choice of book title, the author, Surely this provokes the response ‘If a After lively conversation over tea, University in this area, including the tight span of metric lawyer and economist Professor Ian Ay- nine-year-old can understand this, then of Alaska (USA) mathematician John Rhodes spaces. res conducted a randomised trial. He so can I’. spoke on the use of algebraic geometry for After the pleasant and informative talks, took the three prospective titles: ‘The As the examples progress they become theoretical analysis of phylogenetic models. participants enjoyed a glass of wine and End of Intuition’, ‘Why Data-Driven more political and concern areas such The final speaker of the day, Andreas Dress, the opportunity to discuss further the day’s Decision Making is the New Way to be as education, health and insurance. It Director of the CAS-MPG Partner Institute for events. Smart’ and ‘Super Crunchers’ and set up is clear that without appropriate guide- Computational Biology in Shanghai, discussed Elizabeth Allman (University of Alaska) a test on Google. Within days he estab- lines the wrong questions can be asked the role of models in phylogenetics, illustrat- Vincent Moulton (University of East Anglia) lished that people searching for topics and data mining can be used to back linked to data mining were more likely up erroneous claims. One claim that REVIEWS to click on adverts for ‘Super Crunch- Ayres cites in some detail is the asser- ers’ than either of the other two titles; tion that more guns lead to less crime Super Crunchers: How Anything Can Be Predicted by Ian Ayres, John possibly an unsurprising result. Thus and he goes into some detail as to why Murray, 2007, pp 272, hardcover £16.99, ISBN 0-719-564638. Audio ‘Super Crunchers’ has been the product this research failed to find the correct book, Hodder Murray, 2007, ISBN 0-719-524622. of super crunching. answer. Finally the rather more nega- How do you choose the best title for your new book? The initial chapters are jam-packed tive aspects of data mining are touched Which stocks and shares should you purchase in order to with examples of research that the au- upon - is our every move being watched guarantee the best return? Can a disease be diagnosed by thor has carried out using these ran- and evaluated and where will this lead? a computer? Is it possible to know that you have bought domised trials to form predictions. They The reader is left with a mixture of emo- your airline ticket at the lowest price? The answer to all are described in such a way that could tions - amazement at the scope of these these questions, and more, is super crunching. not fail to excite anyone who has an fairly simple, logical algorithms and Super crunching is the new way for businesses to make interest in predicting outcomes. The randomised tests yet distinct uneasiness decisions based on recognising patterns in past data rather beauty of this book is that it doesn’t at the Orwellian nightmare we seem to than through intuition and personal experience. For ex- need to go into detail concerning the be heading into. ample, instead of choosing a wine by taste it is possible different algorithms and statistical proc- Noel-Ann Bradshaw to construct an algorithm that will decide which year is esses used by the modern generation University of Greenwich THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER No. 367 February 2008

Making Mathematics with Needlework edited do so. This supports the claim of the book Collaborative Learning in Mathematics: a challenge to our beliefs and practices by Malcolm by Sarah-Marie Belcastro and Carolyn Yackel, that practical exercises with thread and Swan, National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, paperback £24.95 978, AK Peters Ltd, 2007, pp 200, hardcover US$30, fabric construction can provide an educa- ISBN 981 1 86201 311 7, hardback £44.95, ISBN 978 1 86201 316 2. ISBN 978-1-56881-331-8. tion in visualising mathematical ideas and Live cover 30/10/06 14:08 Page 1

As an artist working within a computing the possibilities of geometrical shapes. I’m Some years ago I attendedCOLLABORATIVE LEARNING IN MATHEMATICS students, as they argued COLLABORATIVE LEARNING COLLABORATIVE IN MATHEMATICS and maths department I am probably the afraid my fascination was more in terms of Aa CHALLENGE session TO OUR BELIEFS AND PRACTICES on mathemat- LEARNING IN about how they learn math-

perfect customer for this book, combining enjoying the comprehensive mathematical ‘Thisics book reports education an outstanding piece of research. In my opinionat it is upa there withBritish MATHEMATICS ematics and how the differ- the best international mathematical education research. It unusually combines the A CHALLENGE TO OUR BELIEFS highest standards of rigour with great significance for the teaching of mathematics AND PRACTICES as I do a flair for needlework and clothes descriptions of processes I’ve enjoyed and atMathematical all ages and levels.’ Colloquium. ent approaches they had Professor Margaret Brown, Kings College London

‘This book shows how powerful teaching methods can be developed, in conjunction MALCOLM SWAN design and a more than passing interest in explored for years. withOne teachers, which of alter thethe life chances ofquestions students who might otherwise fail to put toMALCOLM SWAN experienced had helped get a mathematics qualification. This is a major contribution to mathematics education literature, providing an outstanding example of design research.’ maths. Because of the mix of disciplines, I won’t pretend that the maths is easy. The Drthe Anne Watson, panel Reader in Mathematics came Education, University fromof Oxford a PhD their learning. ‘This work is exemplary and should be widely known. It advances the state of the art. This book is not trying to “make a case”, but is trying to understand what happened and present it in a balanced way.’ however, I initially feared I might be its only support of a friendly mathematician would Professorstudent, Alan Schoenfeld, University who of California, Berkeley said that she This very readable book

This book begins with an account of what we know about the design of learning customer. Each chapter is a combination of be a bonus at several moments, but the craft was hoping subsequentlyProf Margaret Brown, King's College London has led me to appraise and situations in mathematics, drawing on research and development work conducted over the past twenty-five years. It offers research-based design principles and puts these to work in the design of new teaching situations. It describes the impact that a mathematical paper and a correspond- sections offer the constant reassurance of theseto designs become have had on the professional developmentan ofacademic more than forty teachers, in question how I teach, and I how this has led to changes in their beliefs and practices, and the effect this has had on students’ learning. This has led to fresh theoretical insights into both the design of ing needlework project with additional a practical viewpoint. We are offered the learninga universityactivities and approaches to professional mathsdevelopment. depart- feel that I and my students The book is accompanied by a CD ROM ‘Learning Mathematics through Discussion and Reflection’. These resources, which were used in the research, include teaching ideas; the maths chance to make: a Möbius collaborativement, learning activities and and film clips askedshowing them in action withhow low- she have benefited consider- attaining 16-19-year-old students. This book is for all teachers, researchers, curriculum developers, policy-makers and is written by and for math- quilt, a bi-directional hat teachercould educators who areget interested intraining making the learning of mathematics in more teach- ably as a result. I cannot meaningful and enjoyable for students. Dr Malcolm Swan is a Lecturer in Mathematics Education at the University of ematicians, the project for (Diophantine equations), Nottingham,ing where while he has worked on research working and development projects for on her recommend this book too many years. He is part of the Shell Centre/ MARS team. craftspeople: how many a Sierpinski shawl (self- PhD. As I recall, the chair’s highly. Maths4Life 28 of us are there who are at similar crochet), a torus, response was something Tony Mann 29 home in both worlds? a symmetries sampler, al- COVERlike IMAGE: ISTOCK.COM “Why would someone University of Greenwich Choosing a chapter at gebraic socks, Fortunatus’s who wanted to become an academic be random, entitled “only purse, a pillow of braid interested in teaching?” AIRY two knit stitches can cre- equivalence, a Holbein- Well, of course university mathemati- ate a torus”, I seize nee- ian graph (graph theory cians are interested in teaching (and the Regarding the ‘Mathoesis’ letter (January dles and wool and start of Blackwork embroidery) advent of the National Student Survey Newsletter) which ends with the Shake- reading. A seemingly ob- and (last but not least) hy- can only increase that interest). But much speare, there is a story that in 1826 George lique overview about the perbolic pants! I plan to of the educational literature is generic Biddell Airy was appointed Lucasian Pro- problems of being a left make them all, but I think and mathematics seems to be different fessor at Cambridge, and in 1828, Plumian handed knitter develops the publisher is lucky in from other subjects. This provocative Professor, with the charge of the new Uni- into a set of questions my streak of craft-based new book by a specialist in mathemat- versity Observatory. Prior to his election he about the different possible ways of con- curiosity. Perhaps the real market for this ics education examines how one learns had definitely told the electors that the sal- structing a knit stitch. Slowly this becomes book is a particular moment in education mathematics, showing (through illustra- ary proposed was not sufficient for him to the ‘mathematics’ section (but warned by when the application of maths to real world tive examples, including video clips on undertake the responsibility of the Observa- the subheading ‘mathematics’ I know to put problems can become a fascination. the accompanying CD-ROM) how math- tory. He followed this up by a formal appli- that hat on). Initially it is hard to shrug off When I read that it grew out of the Amer- ematical pedagogy can be learner-cen- cation for an increase, which created not the ‘knitter’ in me who baulks at a seem- ican Mathematical Society Special Session in tred rather than teacher-centred, and a little commotion at the time, the action ingly over-complicated explanation of what Mathematics and Mathematics Education emphasising the value of collaborative being so unprecedented; and after a delay of can be demonstrated in moments with nee- in Fiber Arts held in 2005 in Atlanta, Geor- discussion. Its focus is at GCSE level, but a little over a year he obtained what he had dles and wool, but I am soon charmed by gia, the structure and content of the book there is much that is worth considering asked for. The delay gave rise, however, to the way that the laying out in mathemati- seem a natural and inevitable consequence at all levels. Swan discusses research the remark of a local wit, that the University cal terms of a process I know by heart can of their purposes. It was still hard to decide about teachers’ and learners’ attitudes had given ‘to Airy, nothing, a local habita- inspire a confident sense of knowledge. The who amongst my friends might have liked to mathematics: when I took some of tion and a name.’ support of previous practical experience is it as a Christmas present. the questionnaires he discusses into an (http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/bookman/library/ so strong that when invited to “pick up yarn Alison Cross, undergraduate class, the result was the ROG/ROG04.HTM) and knitting needles in order to verify the University of Greenwich liveliest and most productive discussion Tony Mann following observations” I feel no need to and practising artist I’ve ever experienced with mathematics University of Greenwich THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER No. 367 February 2008

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 31-4 Apr High Dimensional Statistics in 6-13 ICME 11, Monterrey, Mexico (362) On the back cover: Biology INI Workshop, Cambridge (363) 7-11 New Horizons in Toric Topology This calendar lists Society meetings and 31-4 Apr New Scaling Limits and Other Conference, Manchester (367) G. H. DARWIN other events publicised in the Newsletter. Recent Developments in Probability 13 EWM/EMS Workshop, Amsterdam, Further information can be obtained from the Conference, Warwick University (364) The Netherlands (366) Sir George Howard Darwin, KCB, LLD Glasgow, appropriate LMS Newsletter whose number 14-18 Fifth European Congress of FRS, FRAS, FCPS, MA Cambridge, Dr Nat Phil Padua, PhD Göttingen, DMath Christiana, Hon is given in brackets. A fuller list of meetings APRIL 2008 Mathematics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands MRIA, Foreign Associate in Mechanics of the and events is given on the Society’s website 4 Understanding Cellular Calcium Signals (362) Reale Accademia dei Lincei, Hon DSc Dublin, (www.lms.ac.uk/newsletter/calendar.html). Workshop, Nottingham (367) 14-25 Anderson Localization Transition Oxford, Cape of Good Hope and Philadelphia. 7-11 LMS Invited Lectures, A. Okounkov, Introductory Training Course, Foreign Hon Member of the American Acade- Imperial College London (367) FEBRUARY 2008 INI, Cambridge (364) my of Arts and Sciences, the New York Academy 7-11 Combinatorial Identities and Their 6 The Maths of Complex Systems, 14-19 Dec Mathematics and Physics of of Science, the Akademie der Wissenschaften, Bath (366) Applications in Statistical Mechanics, Anderson Localization: 50 Years After, Göttingen, the National Academy of Washing- 6 A Millennium of Mathematical Puzzles, INI Workshop, Cambridge (364) INI, Cambridge (352) ton, and the Royal Society of Belgium. Gresham College Lectures, London 25 Women in Mathematics Day, London 15-19 Bachelier Finance Society Fifth World Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge; Plumi- (362) (367) Congress, London (365) an Professor of Astronomy and Experimental 8 LMS Mary Cartwright Lecture, Oxford 25 Edinburgh Mathematical Society 21-25 Algebraic Structures in Geometry Philosophy in the University of Cambridge. 30 (367) Meeting, Aberdeen (363) and Physics Workshop, Leicester (367) Royal Medallist of the Royal Society 1884, 31 15 Geometric and Analytic Methods in Copley Medallist 1911, Medallist RAS, Telford MAY 2008 Medallist Institute of Civil Engineers. Group Theory Meeting, Southampton SEPTEMBER 2008 (367) 1 Cancer can give you Maths!, LMS–Gresham Sir George Howard Darwin (1845–1912), 14-18 EUROMECH Fluid Mechanics English astronomer, was born at Down, 15 Edinburgh Mathematical Society College Lecture, London (364) Conference, Manchester (362) Kent, on 9 July 1845. The second son of Anniversary Meeting, Edinburgh (363) 4 400 Years of Geometry, Gresham College Lecture, London (362) 14-19 Phenomena in High Dimensions Charles Darwin, he was second wrangler 15 Open Day, King’s College London (367) 23 Edinburgh Mathematical Society Workshop, Lancaster University (364) and Smith’s prizeman at Cambridge, and 27 From Hilbert’s Problems to the Future, Meeting, St Andrews (363) 15 LMS SW & South Wales Regional was elected to the professorship of astron- Gresham College Lectures, London (362) Meeting, Swansea omy and experimental philosophy at his university in 1883. His principal work was MARCH 2008 JUNE 2008 on the subject of tides, on which he became NOVEMBER 2008 9-12 Mathematics and its Applications in 9 LMS Midlands Regional Meeting, the leading authority, and on other physi- 21 LMS AGM, London Information Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Birmingham cal questions connected with the relation (362) 23-27 Geometric Analysis, Elasticity and of the earth and moon; the article Tide in 13 Karl Gruenberg Memorial Meeting, PDEs Workshop, Heriot-Watt University DECEMBER 2008 the Earth Bulletin represented his matured Queen Mary, University of London (367) (367) 12-13 Joint Meeting with the Edinburgh researches on his special subject. He was 14 Edinburgh Mathematical Society 23-27 Future Directions in High-Dimensional Mathematical Society, Edinburgh made KCB in 1905 and died at Cambridge on 7 December 1912. Meeting, Dundee (363) Data Analysis, INI Workshop, Cambridge 17-19 Mathematical Neuroscience, (366) Royal Society, Edinburgh (367) 30 – 4 Jul European Consortium for APRIL 2009 LMS CONFERENCE FACILITIES 25-28 BMC, York (367) Mathematics in Industry, University College 6-9 BMC, Galway 25-28 Markov-Chain Monte Carlo Methods London (364) Organising a conference in central London? INI Workshop, Cambridge (363) AUGUST 2010 Meeting rooms and catering are available JULY 2008 in De Morgan House. For terms and avail- 31 LMS Northern Regional Meeting, 4 LMS Meeting, London 19-27 International Congress of ability, please call 020 7927 0800 or email Manchester (367) 10-11 Legacy of John Crank Conference, Mathematicians 2010, Hyderabad, India [email protected] 31-4 Apr BAMC, Manchester (367) Brunel University (366) (365) G. H. DARWIN LMS member 1868–1912 Hills & Saunders, Cambridge Oxford

ArthurSir George Cockshott, Howard MA Darwin Fellow and Assistant Tutor of Trinity College, Cambridge (biography on the inside cover)