Dr Robert Leese appointed Fellow of the Academy for the...
We are delighted to announce that Dr Robert Leese, Chief Technical Officer at Smith Institute, has been appointed as an inaugural Fellow of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences, joining leading figures across academia, industry, education, and government.
Dr Leese’s appointment recognises his contribution to driving the application of mathematics across society, including its vital role within critical national infrastructure. It is a reflection of the experience and expertise within Smith Institute in addressing complex challenges.
The Academy for the Mathematical Sciences is a newly established national body, created to ensure that mathematics plays a central role in addressing the UK’s most complex and consequential challenges. Sitting alongside the UK’s other National Academies, it provides an independent voice for the mathematical sciences in public life, policy, and long-term national decision making.
As Fellows of the Academy, members will contribute independent mathematical expertise in support of national priorities, working in the public interest to strengthen resilience, support innovation, and help the UK make the most of emerging opportunities. Their work will span areas including infrastructure, public health preparedness, climate change, national security, and the safe and effective development of new technologies.
Lord Vallance KCB FRS FMedSci FRCP HonFREng, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), commented,
Mathematics sits at the heart of the UK’s scientific and technological strength and is essential to the development of the industries of the future, in exciting fields like AI and quantum.
The Academy for the Mathematical Sciences’ inaugural Fellows represent the very best of this national capability, and I commend the Academy for bringing them together. Their expertise strengthens our security, boosts productivity and supports high‐quality jobs across the country, so it is only right that they are celebrated.
The Academy for the Mathematical Sciences’ inaugural Fellows represent the very best of this national capability, and I commend the Academy for bringing them together. Their expertise strengthens our security, boosts productivity and supports high‐quality jobs across the country, so it is only right that they are celebrated.
Dr Leese joined Smith Institute in 1999 and has been instrumental in its technical leadership. His career has focused on applying mathematics to high consequence decision making. He has led work providing critical decision support to industry and government, particularly in sectors undergoing rapid transition. This includes the validation and verification of high stakes spectrum auctions for governments in Europe and North America, and the development of new approaches to monitoring and managing critical national infrastructure, including work supporting the safe operation of Britain’s nuclear reactors.
Reflecting on his appointment, Dr Leese said:
“The creation of the Academy for Mathematical Sciences is a wonderful opportunity for mathematicians to communicate far and wide how our subject drives advancement in science and technology in an uncertain world. I am delighted to be involved as a Fellow of the Academy and truly excited by the prospect of what can be achieved.”
This appointment follows the appointment of Dr Heather Tewkesbury’s as President of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.
Further details on the Academy’s founding Fellows can be found here.
