The Academy for the Mathematical Sciences (AcadMathSci) has today announced its first-ever cohort of Fellows, recognising leading UK mathematicians and operational researchers across academia, education, business, industry and government for their leadership, research, and contributions to society.
The Fellows include Fields Medal (the mathematics equivalent of a Nobel Prize) winners, leading business figures, distinguished teachers and academics, science communicators, and pioneers of computing and machine learning. Nine are members of The Operational Research Society and include:
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Professor Miguel Anjos, SMINFORM, Chair of Operational Research, School of Mathematics, University of Edinburgh.
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Professor Aris Syntetos FIMA, Research Professor of Decision Science and the DSV Chair of Logistics Research, Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University.
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Professor David Lane FORS at Henley Business School, University of Reading.
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Professor Chris Dent FORS, Personal Chair in Industrial Mathematics, School of Mathematics, University of Edinburgh.
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Professor Adele H Marshall FORS, Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society is Professor of Statistics, School of Mathematics and Physics at Queen’s University Belfast.
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Dr Gilbert Owusu, visiting Professor at the University of Essex and the immediate Past-President of the Operational Research Society.
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Karrie Liu, Independent data analytics consultant at Hypatia Analytics
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Robert Leese FIMA – Robert is Chief Technical Officer, Smith Institute.
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Gueorgui Mihaylov, Principal Data Scientist at Haleon, Visiting Research Fellow at King’s College London.
The Fellows are leaders in their fields, recognised for their fundamental discoveries, exceptional work in education, or driving the application of mathematics across society as part of the UK’s critical national infrastructure. While continuing their work within their own institutions, they will also collaborate through the Academy to support the UK in tackling major strategic challenges including pandemic preparedness, economic transformation, national security, and safe AI.
Dr Colette Fletcher, Executive Director of the OR Society, said:
“Congratulations to the inaugural Fellows of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences. This prestigious recognition highlights leadership at the highest level across the mathematical sciences. We are delighted that nine Fellows are Operational Research Society members, demonstrating the vital role OR and mathematics play in tackling real-world challenges across industry, government, and society.”
“Congratulations to the inaugural Fellows of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences. This prestigious recognition highlights leadership at the highest level across the mathematical sciences. We are delighted that nine Fellows are Operational Research Society members, demonstrating the vital role OR and mathematics play in tackling real-world challenges across industry, government, and society.”
Professor Miguel Anjos said: “I am humbled to be a founding Fellow of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences. This is an exciting time for the Mathematical Sciences with the growing importance of mathematics in our daily lives. I look forward to supporting the Academy’s activities in promoting awareness of the importance of the mathematical sciences in business, industry and government.”
Professor Aris Syntetos said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this fellowship, recognising my work at the interface between mathematics and management, and my commitment to bridging rigorous theory with real-world decision-making. I dedicate it to the memory of my late mentor and PhD supervisor, John Boylan, whose influence continues to shape my work.”
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.”
Professor Chris Dent said: “I am very proud to be part of the first cohort of Fellows of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences alongside my Edinburgh University and Maxwell Institute colleagues. The Fellowship illustrates the importance of the Mathematical Sciences across society, and I look forward to new opportunities to support the wider community in my specialist areas of energy, engineering and public policy.”
Professor Adele H Marshall said: “I am delighted to be named a Fellow of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences. The Academy’s vision of putting mathematics at the heart of national life and policy making resonates strongly with me. I look forward to contributing my experience, and translating mathematical research into real-world applications across healthcare, infrastructure, and industry.”
Dr Gilbert Owusu said: “I am honoured to join the Academy of Mathematical Sciences as an inaugural Fellow. It is a unique opportunity to champion the mathematical sciences as a core enabler of decision‑making—providing the rigorous frameworks needed to navigate and solve the complex challenges of an increasingly data‑driven world.”
Karrie-Liu said: “I hope this Fellowship highlights that mathematics and operational research thrive through many pathways which across industry, academia, and public service, where good modelling helps people, not just papers.”
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About The OR Society:
The Operational Research Society is the UK’s professional home for operational research, decision analytics, and data science. Founded in 1948 and based in Birmingham, we are a registered charity that supports members through professional accreditation, training, journals, conferences, and a nationwide community.”
The history of the Operational Research Society (ORS) in the United Kingdom traces its origins to the significant contributions made during World War II. Operational Research (OR) emerged as a critical field during the war, where scientists and military experts applied analytical methods to improve decision-making and efficiency in military operations. This pioneering work laid the foundation for creation of the Operational Research Society and shaped the early ORS history.
Background on the Academy:
The Academy for the Mathematical Sciences was established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in September 2023, following the primary recommendation of the independent Bond Review (“The era of mathematics”, 2018).
It was incubated by the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences in Cambridge. With the backing of the UK mathematical sciences community, the Academy provides an authoritative, persuasive, and influential voice for the whole discipline.
It brings together those in academia, education, business, industry, and government from across all four nations, providing crucial connectivity for harnessing the mathematical sciences to enhance economic productivity, improve lives, and support societal wellbeing.