Professor Chris Budd OBE has been recognised as one of the first 100 Fellows of the new Academy for the Mathematical Sciences, which brings together leading mathematicians from across the UK.

Professor Budd’s work spans many real world applications of mathematics. He is lead investigator for the large UKRI Maths for Deep Learning Project and has a strong interest in scientific machine learning and its applications. He collaborates closely with the Met Office and other international organisations on weather forecasting and climate modelling, and has worked extensively with partners in energy, aerospace, telecommunications and food production. He is also active in mathematical outreach and director of Bath Taps Into Science.

The inaugural Fellows of the new academy include winners of major international prizes, business leaders, educators, researchers, science communicators and pioneers in computing and machine learning. All have been selected for their leadership and for using mathematics to benefit society.

By uniting the UK’s strongest mathematical thinkers across academia, industry, education and government, the academy aims to tackle some of the country’s biggest challenges – from preparing for future pandemics to ensuring that new technologies such as AI and quantum computing are safe and reliable.

Fellows of the Academy will continue in their current roles but will work together through the Academy to support the UK in key areas where maths can make a difference. Key areas of focus will include working with government, industry and charities to understand climate risks and recommend solutions; developing the mathematics needed to make AI technologies safe and effective, and helping design maths education that meets the needs of tomorrow’s economy and society. Professor Budd will be closely involved in all of these areas going forward.

Professor Budd said: “I am very honoured to be included in the list of founding fellows of the Academy. I hope that through this, and working with the other Fellows, we can help to make a real difference to the way that maths is used for the future benefit of society."