Professor Sir Ian Diamond DL, FBA, FRSE, FacSS, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen is to be the new Chair of the Council for the Mathematical Sciences (CMS). It is anticipated that he will take up the post in September 2018, succeeding Professor Sir Adrian Smith FRS, Vice-Chancellor of the University of London.
Sir Ian Diamond said, ‘The CMS has a crucial role in ensuring that the contribution of the Mathematical Sciences discipline is recognised across government, business and education. I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to this important work’.
Over the past five years, under the leadership of Sir Adrian, the CMS has grown its reputation as the authoritative body recognised by government as representing the Mathematical Sciences and with which national policymakers now regularly engage. Sir Ian now has the opportunity to build on Sir Adrian’s legacy as the sector enters a significant new phase with the many challenges to the Mathematical Sciences from Brexit and the reshaping of the science and innovation research landscape as a whole.
Sir Ian brings considerable experience both in higher education, and government and the five CMS Societies are delighted that he has accepted the role.
He was Chief Executive Officer at the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), as well as being Chair of the Research Council UK Executive Group and he is a member of the board on the newly formed UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Sir Ian also has experience of working with government, with his review of University finance in Wales, commissioned by the Welsh Assembly, and his 2011 review of efficiency and effectiveness in higher education on behalf of Universities UK.
Professor Sir Adrian Smith, FRS and Chair of CMS said, ‘I am delighted that Sir Ian Diamond has agreed to take over the Chair of the CMS. He is exceptionally well qualified to ensure that the CMS continues to champion the health of the UK’s Mathematical Sciences people pipeline and its contribution to national educational, social and economic challenges’.