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Bad Maths Marks

New Zealand's capacity to undertake effective applied mathematical research is in danger due to government, industry and business attitudes, according to the Mathematics in New Zealand: Past, Present and Future report.

The report resulted from a review of the country's mathematical research, and investigated current trends in mathematics, the role of mathematical sciences within and outside educational institutions, economic contributions and factors likely to affect their role in the future.

The review committee was chaired by Professor Jeffrey Hunter of Massey University (Albany campus). Hunter says that within New Zealand, the mathematical sciences underpin a significant proportion (often over 50%) of total business, industry and government activity. These sciences provide direct contributions to profits and savings, yet are severely undervalued and underutilised, he says.

"Industry and business have difficulty in finding competent people to provide adequate assistance in the disciplines of mathematics, statistics and operations research. The problem is compounded as numbers of students studying at advanced levels of university in the mathematical sciences are not high. The area is considered too difficult and career opportunities are seen as limited."

Hunter says these attitudes may damage New Zealand's reputation in the mathematical science research arena. Most individual research groups are now below the critical mass required for effective operation, particularly in regard to apprenticeship training for young graduates. There is no natural funding route for methodological research in the present sector-orientated structure, and the mathematical component underpinning Public Good Science Funded proposals is liable to be treated as expendable if budget cuts are required.

"Overall, the reduction in the number of mathematical scientists employed outside the universities is near the stage where it brings into question New Zealand's capacity to undertake effective applied mathematical research," says Hunter.

The review team suggests developing a national strategy for mathematical sciences, with closer links between universities and external research organisations.

Copies of the report can be obtained from MoRST by emailing:
katherine@morst.govt.nz
or the text can be downloaded from:
http://www.mcs.vuw.ac.nz/~edith/front.html