A Call for Explainability: The Path to Trustworthy AI
The IMA supports the advancement of mathematical knowledge and its applications and promotes mathematical culture and its positive impact for the public in the United Kingdom. The current IMA President is Professor Hannah Fry, who commented,
‘I was delighted when our Nominating Committee proposed Heather Tewkesbury as my successor and our President Elect. The nomination was warmly received by our Council, many (if not all) of whom know Heather through her active engagement with the community. It was great to see her at my Presidential Address the evening after her nomination was ratified at Council, and I am in no doubt that she is going to be an excellent President. Congratulations Heather!’
Promoting the benefits of mathematics
During her presidency Heather will continue her role at Smith Institute, building and supporting networks that share our mission about the positive impact that mathematics and data science can have on the world.
Heather joined Smith Institute in 2001 and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2017, before handing over the role to Dr Ruth Voisey in August 2023.
She is a member of the Executive Board of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences, leading on Business, Industry and Government engagement. Heather is also a Trustee on the Board of the Operational Research Society.
Heather is particularly known for creating a culture of positive engagement in technical teams at Smith Institute and client organisations for over 20 years. This culture was recently recognised by the DataIQ awards with Smith Institute being shortlisted as one of the best places to work in data.
"I’m delighted to be taking on the position of President of the IMA in 2026 following Hannah’s term. I’m keen that the role of the mathematical sciences in business and government becomes more visible and look forward to helping the IMA build that visibility. Throughout my career I’ve had the privilege of seeing how well-informed use of the mathematical sciences can have a hugely positive impact on the world. The IMA has been my professional home for 25 years and now with the support of Smith Institute I’m excited to represent the IMA as President Elect."
Heather Tewkesbury
Chief of Strategic Relationships, Smith Institute
Experienced at making a positive impact
At Smith Institute we use our deep understanding of the mathematical sciences to create solutions to our clients’ most complex challenges. We harness this expertise and our wide cross-sector experience to create custom, explainable solutions that provide clarity, valuable insights and support reliable strategic decision-making.
Crucially, by incorporating explainability, these solutions demonstrate their reliability by showing how decisions have been reached. This trust is vital to allow AI and data science to fulfil their enormous potential to create a positive impact on the world. For more on the importance of explainability in AI, read our insight [link to Call for explainability insight]
Everyone at Smith Institute is thrilled that Heather is taking up this fantastic role. The IMA leadership is in safe hands. We believe this role is vital as Mathematical sciences will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and will underpin the solutions to many of humanity’s most pressing societal, economic, and environmental challenges.
