Virtual Forum Announced for Knowledge Exchange in the Mathematical Sciences

The Knowledge Transfer Network, Newton Gateway to Mathematics, Isaac Newton Institute (INI), and the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS) is working with various representatives from the mathematical sciences community to develop a Virtual Forum for Knowledge Exchange in the Mathematical Sciences (V-KEMS).

The main aim is to identify a range of virtual approaches that will help address challenges from business and industry, the third sector, and other groups outside academia. These challenges may be long-standing or may have arisen directly as a consequence of the present disruption to UK society.

Many initiatives are already taking place to help provide infrastructure and resources to clinicians and others who are urgently helping to model the pandemic. Where appropriate, we are offering direct support to this activity.

However, we are also able to identify broader areas for input from the mathematical sciences community – for example, tackling issues related to food supply and logistics etc. The mechanisms for delivery will include virtual study groups (VSGs), webinars and the formation of virtual teams of mathematicians. The latter will aim to rapidly clarify, formalise and triage the problems/challenges from business, industry, the public and third sectors, whether they are directly associated with the Covid-19 virus or of a wider, more longstanding nature.