MAPLE: MAthematics PLatform Engagement activity

The challenges presented to the scientific community by the complexities of modern society are inherently interdisciplinary. The success of mathematics in underpinning scientific investigation is evident by the fact that mathematics is the 'language of the physical sciences'; however many areas remain an open challenge to the international mathematics community. These include better engagement with the pressing global concerns of climate change and energy (e.g., developing new mathematical tools for dealing with complexity) and broad and challenging scientific goals such as the mathematization of the life sciences (e.g., mathematical models of cognition and perception, data analysis for DNA). The long-term scientific, technological and economic health of the UK requires mathematicians who (i) communicate fluently between the mathematical sub-disciplines, (ii) establish dialogues across discipline boundaries, and (iii) engage with professions and communities outside academe (in industry, commerce, financial sector, government etc). The award of a Platform Grant to the School of Mathematics at the University of Manchester will enable the initiation of an internal funding mechanism to initiate, nurture and support new and adventurous research initiatives that address these goals.The creation of a platform account offers an integrative approach to the way mathematics is carried out in the School, and in its application outside the School. This should be seen not just as a fundingvehicle but a process whereby innovative and interdisciplinary research will be continuously stimulated and prosecuted. The platform account would also provide an opportunity to add value to the core research activity in pure mathematics, applied mathematics and probability and statistics within the School.

The impact of MAPLE takes a number of forms: the direct impact of the research done within the lifetime of MAPLE on neighbouring areas of mathematics, on cognate academic disciplines and those more distant from mathematics, and on research groups outwith academe, e.g. in industry and commerce. Finally, the long term impact will be to the broader society through the spin-offs of innovative and adventurous interdisciplinary research. So, who in particular are likely to benefit? A very conservative estimate of this can be provided by listing the present organisations who currently support, or are partners with, research groups within the School. These span a broad range of companies and industrial and commercial sectors including, as exemplars, the nuclear industry (AMEC, EDF), the environment (Proudman Oceanographic Lab), the pharmaceutical industry (AstraZenica), telecommunications (BT, Photon Design), Defence (DSTL, QinetiQ), underwater systems (Thales), aerospace (Airbus, BAESystems, UMARI), numerical software (NAG and The MathWorks), the health service (NHS), social behaviour and marketing (Unilever), metrology (NPL), scanning and imaging for security systems and in the health service (Rapiscan, Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre). Of course, MAPLE aims to substantially increase the number of interactions of members of School with all areas of industry and commerce. It will do this through direct mechanisms for establishing links, and via the leverage potential of MAPLE to gain new and diverse funds for significant research collaborations. How will they benefit? Clearly the above organisations, and many others over the lifetome of MAPLE, will benefit by direct involvement in the study groups, conferences and workshops, fellowship schemes etc., and the consequent research output from these, and other substantial interactions. However, the long-term benefits should be far greater. MAPLE will instill a culture of, and offer incentives for, novelty and adventure in research. Thus, we expect much greater effort to be directed towards the EPSRC strategic aims, societal problems, and grand challenges. What will be done to ensure that they benefit? MAPLE will incorporate a process which will create a conduit for dialogue between potential beneficiaries and mathematicians. This should help to provide innovative methods and novel approaches to the problems of new technologies and industries. It will also help create an environment in the School where mathematics from across the whole range of the discipline can be brought to bear on problems. We will use the Technology Translator to facilitate interaction, and to exploit all the opportunities available, including, for example, the Industrial Mathematics KTN.