We are pleased to announce that the ICMS is now able to fund international activities as part of its Mathematics for Humanity programme. This has been made possible by a generous donation from Alex Gerko, Founder of XTX Markets.
Applicants are invited to submit proposals belonging to one of the three themes for a satellite event at any location in the world that is optimal for impact, accessibility, and sustainability. As part of this effort, we expect to be able to fund up to ten global workshops for humanity with a maximum budget of 35,000 GBP each. Submission guidelines and application forms for all five schemes available under this programme can be found here. In addition to the scientific case, organisational outline, and a strong argument for benefit to humanity, the proposers should provide evidence that:
- The location serves well the goals of impact, accessibility, and sustainability;
- The chosen venue is well-equipped for event delivery;
- There is an efficient and reliable system for transfer and administration of funds from the UK.
Regarding 3, we recommend very strongly that the plans be supported by a local university or institute with international standing, which should be specified on the application. As examples, the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics has expressed a willingness to be hosts and provide help with local administration of the funds from the ICMS for events with a focus on Southeast Asia, whilst the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences has agreed to host events centred in Africa. Other institutions wiling to collaborate include the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences and the Sydney Mathematical Research Institute. It is your responsibility to ensure that the supporting institution is able to accommodate your plans. The detailed plans must be feasible on their side in order for the event to proceed. They should be contacted as soon as possible during the planning stage and kept informed of progress.
Please write to the director Minhyong Kim for queries.
Knowledge exchange (KE) is the two-way sharing of knowledge and expertise to advance research and maximise impact. The ICMS is pleased to announce a new ‘KE for Humanity’ funding stream within the Mathematics for Humanity programme to provide support for KE activities that endeavour to contribute to the betterment of humanity.
KE for Humanity activities should:
- Bring together diverse groups of people, including academic mathematical scientists and external partners from business, industry, government and the third sector
- Encourage substantial involvement from external partners
- Develop and strengthen collaborations
- Have clear alignment with one or more of the three Mathematics for Humanity themes
Activities can take a wide range of formats, and can be held in Edinburgh, elsewhere in the UK (ICMS@), at a global location (ICMS Worldwide) or online. The ICMS is flexible in the types of knowledge exchange activities it can support, including but not limited to study groups, workshops that aim to form communities and partnerships or share best practice, and research in groups.
It is expected that external partners will have a commitment to social good and human welfare. The list below provides examples of the types of application areas the ICMS wishes to support through the KE for Humanity funding stream:
- V-KEMS virtual study groups, e.g. Maths for Justice and Food Security
- Data Science for Social Good
- Global Challenges Research Fund
In addition, researchers from areas of the mathematical sciences not typically associated with public good are encouraged to apply their knowledge in new directions consistent with this programme. For example, KE activities in actuarial science are often associated with insurance companies, but the expertise involved in risk mitigation could be applied to a broader range of challenges of social significance, such as climate change, healthcare, or pensions.
If you are interested in applying, please contact our Knowledge Exchange Manager Lauren Hyndman, or our Director Minhyong Kim.
If you are an external partner who wishes to support this funding stream, please contact our Director Minhyong Kim.
