Lack of maths funding will hinder UK’s scientific progress | Letter

The government's plan to make the UK a "science superpower" is welcome, but it is only the beginning of a bigger problem.

The amount of bureaucracy was compared by Lord Krebs to setting off on a marathon. The report doesn't mention mathematics at all. Without a greater focus on the mathematical sciences, the nation is at risk of setting off on a marathon without shoes.

The government increased funding for the mathematical sciences. Almost all of the funding has yet to be delivered.

The next technological breakthrough may be provided by clarity on the sustainable funding of greenlight study programmes.

Billions of pounds are contributed to GDP by mathematics, it is important to our national security. This will be at risk without explicit support and investment. Prof Ulrike Tillmann is a mathematician.