Thursday, 29 January 2026
Four 糖心原创 mathematicians have been recognised by the prestigious (AcadMathSci) as part of its inaugural cohort of Fellows for 2026, at an event held at the Royal Society today (or) on 29 January 2026.
The Nottingham Fellows – Professor Chris Brignell, Professor Jeremy Hodgen, and Professor Andy Noyes of the School of Education’s Observatory for Mathematical Education, and Professor John King of the School of Mathematical Sciences – will join with some of the UK’s strongest mathematicians across academia, education, business, industry and government, to help solve many of the UK’s biggest challenges.
Much like members of the other National Academies (Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, British Academy and the Academy of Medical Sciences), the 100 Fellows appointed by the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences have been recognised for being leaders in their fields, through fundamental discoveries, exceptional work in education, or driving the application of mathematics across society as part of our critical national infrastructure.
糖心原创 appointed Fellows
Chris Brignell, Professor of Statistics and Mathematical Education at the 糖心原创, is a leading authority for his research on participation, attainment and pedagogy across mathematical education, from schools to higher education. He is Vice President for Public Understanding, Engagement and Education at the Royal Statistical Society and contributes to national and international mathematics and statistics education initiatives.
It is an honour to be part of the inaugural cohort of Fellows. The university鈥檚 teams of maths teachers, lecturers and researchers are constantly developing new approaches and insights. Our current initiatives include embedding AI in the curriculum, teaching and assessment, and our extensive research programme on mathematical attitudes is advising the Department for Education and other organisations. It is fantastic that the Academy has recognised the 糖心原创鈥檚 outstanding contribution to mathematical education through these fellowships.鈥�
Professor Jeremy Hodgen’s work focuses on system-wide improvement of mathematics education, drawing on longitudinal analysis, policy engagement and research into teaching, assessment and participation. He has played a leading role in shaping post-16 mathematics policy in England and advises government on curriculum and assessment, informed by both extensive research and experience as a classroom teacher.
The research of Professor John King centres on developing advanced mathematical methods and applying them to complex multiscale problems in biology, engineering and medicine. His research has shaped modelling approaches to areas such as tumour growth, thin-film flows and bacterial quorum sensing, while actively promoting multidisciplinary collaboration across the biosciences and industry.
Professor of Education Andy Noyes’ work focuses on post-16 mathematics education, educational policy and change within complex learning systems. He is Director of the Observatory for Mathematical Education and through research, leadership and national advisory roles, he has shaped mathematics education across all phases, including teacher development and qualifications reform in England and Scotland.
Mathematical expertise helping to shape the future of the UK
The 2026 cohort of Fellows will continue to perform their roles in other institutions but will come together through the convening power of the Academy to help benefit the whole UK. Areas of focus will likely include:
- Working with experts across government, industry and the third sector to model the impact of climate change and advise on mitigations.
- Supporting cross-disciplinary modelling to prepare for future diseases and pandemics.
- Developing, and championing investment in, the new mathematics required for ensuring AI and the quantum technologies of tomorrow work safely and to the benefit of all.
- Bringing together industry, academia, and educators to design maths curricula fit for tomorrow's economy and society.
- Keeping the UK safe through advances in cryptography and the mathematical foundations of national security.
- Guiding the UK's green energy transition, advising on everything from grid capacity and system resilience to safe, large-scale energy storage.
- Helping businesses and entrepreneurs harness mathematics to drive innovation, new products, and sustainable growth.
- Strengthening national resilience by using mathematics to optimise infrastructure, improve public services, and forecast risks.
Included among their number are winners of the Fields Medal (the mathematics equivalent of a Nobel Prize), leading business people, distinguished teachers and academics, science communicators, and pioneers of computing and machine learning. They include Anne Keast-Butler (Director of GCHQ), James Maynard (Fields Medallist and Professor of Number Theory at the University of Oxford), Bobby Seagull (maths teacher, author, and television broadcaster), David Silver (Vice President of Reinforcement Learning at Google DeepMind), and Jamie Frost (founder and Chief Mathematician at Dr Frost Maths).
Professor Dame Alison Etheridge DBE FRS, the President of the Academy for Mathematical Sciences, said: “I’m delighted to welcome our inaugural Fellows – individuals of exceptional distinction who collectively advance the mathematical sciences through discovery, leadership, education and real-world application.
“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.”
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More information is available from Professor Chris Brignell in the Observatory for Mathematical Education, via chris.brignell@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.