In September 2010, the National Academies launched a study on the Mathematical Sciences in 2025. A National Academies committee will produce a forward looking assessment of the current state of the mathematical sciences and of emerging trends, assessing both the vitality of research and the impact of research and training. The formal statement of task is given below.
The study will develop a strategic view useful to the various stakeholders in mathematical sciences, including the mathematics and statistics communities; federal and non-federal sponsors of mathematical sciences research and education; the broad science and engineering enterprise; and the leadership of business, industry, government laboratories, and federal mission agencies.
This strategic examination will cover three aspects of the mathematical sciences enterprise: discovery, connections, and community. Here, "discover" refers to basic research at the frontiers of knowledge in mathematics and statistics. "Connections" refers to exploiting research opportunities at boundaries of the mathematical sciences to promote the progress of science, to enhance national security, and to strengthen economic competitiveness. "Community" refers to cultivating a community of researchers, students, and professionals of sufficient breadth, depth, and diversity to sustain the nation's mathematical sciences enterprise in the 21st century.
This study is expected to run through 2011, with the committee releasing its final report in the first half of 2012. Mid-way through the study, after the committee has identified some recent research accomplishments as part of its assessment of the vitality of the field, it will produce an interim report about some of those accomplishments. This interim report will be geared toward non-mathematical readers who would like to know more about mathematical research.
Four private, non-profit, non-governmental organizations comprise the Academies: the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council. Known collectively as the National Academies, our organization produces groundbreaking reports that have helped shape sound policies, inform public opinion, and advance the pursuit of science, engineering, and medicine.
The study will produce a forward-looking assessment of the current state of the mathematical sciences and of emerging trends that will affect the discipline and its stakeholders as they look ahead to the quarter century mark. Specifically, the study will assess:
The project is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.
