Henley Professor appointed to National Academy for the Mathematical Sciences

Professor David Lane has been appointed to the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences as part of its inaugural cohort of fellows. As part of the Academy, he will be working alongside other leading UK mathematicians to help solve some of the UK’s biggest challenges.

From modelling the effects of climate change and guiding the UK’s green energy transition, to preparing for future diseases and pandemics, to ensuring the safety of AI – the Academy fellows will be contributing to projects of national importance.

Professor Lane specialises in System Dynamics Modelling for policy analysis, using qualitative maps and computer simulation models to help decision-makers explore complexity, feedback effects and behaviour over time. He has held various government advisory roles, including a key position in the Munro Review. This latest appointment recognises him as a leader in his field.

Speaking about his fellowship, Professor David Lane said:

“Mathematics is a rigorous and elegant discipline that is both a joy in itself, and a powerful tool for addressing complex problems and supporting policy. The Academy aims to reinforce the development and use of mathematics in the UK across a spectrum of activities, including world-class research, innovative practical applications, stimulating educational approaches, and just plain delight.”

“I am delighted to have been invited to join the inaugural cohort of Fellows, and to contribute to this project.”

Alongside Professor Lane, the Academy will also inaugurate James Maynard (Fields Medallist and Professor of Number Theory at the University of Oxford), Anne Keast-Butler (Director of GCHQ), and Bobby Seagull (maths teacher, author, and television broadcaster) at an event held at the Royal Society on 29 January.

The National Academy for the Mathematical Sciences is the fifth national body of its kind, following the Royal Society, the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Academy for Medical Sciences.

If you would like to speak to Professor Lane or any of our academic experts, email pr@henley.ac.uk.