Derry mathematician inaugurated into Academy for the Mathematical Sciences

A Derry woman has been appointed as one of the 100 inaugural Fellows of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences (AcadMathSci) at an event held at London’s Royal Society - the world’s oldest independent scientific academy.

Award-winning teacher and entrepreneur, Katrina Bradley, and her AcadMathSci colleagues are aiming to bring together Britain’s strongest mathematicians across academia, education, business, industry, and government to help solve some major modern-day challenges. 

The Academy’s  areas of focus will include: working with experts across government, industry and the third sector to model the impact of climate change and advise on mitigations; and supporting cross-disciplinary modelling to prepare for future diseases and pandemics.

Speaking to The Derry News, Ms Bradley said the AcadMathSci would also develop and champion investment in the new mathematics required for ensuring AI and the quantum technologies of tomorrow work safely and to the benefit of all. 

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“In addition, we hope to bring together industry, academia, and educators to design maths curricula fit for tomorrow’s economy and society,” said Ms Bradley, “and guide the green energy transition, advising on everything from grid capacity and system resilience to safe, large-scale energy stores.”

Ms Bradley is the founder and director of Primary Numerasee, an educational organisation dedicated to improving mathematical understanding and confidence among primary-aged learners.

“Through Primary Numerasee, I work closely with schools, education authorities and Regional Colleges, supporting curriculum delivery, teacher development and system-level improvement across a range of educational settings,” she explained.

“I was delighted to be selected as one of Ulster University’s 25@25, a programme marking 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement by identifying alumni who are emerging leaders in their fields. I am also a member of the UK Young Academy, reflecting my leadership at the intersection of education, research and public engagement,” added Ms Bradley. 

“As a newly appointed Fellow of the Academy of the Mathematical Sciences, I hope to bring a practitioner-led perspective rooted in classroom reality, collaboration and innovation. 

“I am committed to advancing mathematics education through evidence-informed practice and cross-sector partnership, ensuring all learners have the opportunity to succeed and thrive in mathematics.”

Professor Dame Alison Etheridge DBE FRS, the President of the Academy for Mathematical Sciences, described the inaugural Fellows as “individuals of exceptional distinction who collectively advance the mathematical sciences through discovery, leadership, education and real-world application”

She added: “As Fellows of the Academy, they will come together in service of the wider public good: bringing independent expertise to bear on national priorities, championing excellence in mathematics education, strengthening the UK’s research and innovation base, and helping to ensure that mathematics continues to deliver opportunity, resilience and prosperity across our four nations.”