Mathematics is not redundant

AI needs more pure maths not less. And UoL maths has a strong track record in the frontiers of both applied an pure maths. To risk this now where the future of science is open as never before seems crazy, outrageous ... it is difficult to find words for this.

Imagine a world where every University VC makes the same claim: "to ensure a future research identity in AI, computational modelling, digitalisation and data science requires ceasing research in Pure Mathematics" How long will research in those areas (as well as numerous other areas that depend on research in Prure Mathematics) survive?

This is a terrible idea.

We will not allow the lose of pure mathematics!

It would be terrible to gut an excellent mathematics department in such a manner. Doing so under the rationale that this will free up funding for research in computational science turns tragedy to grotesque absurdity. As many others have pointed out, the pure mathematicians at Leicester do excellent research, and any such cuts would damage the reputation of the university, and do harm to the research community at large. It is a farcically shortsighted decision, and one that offers nothing to recommend it. Worse, though, than the shortsighted approach to research is the callous disregard this proposal displays towards the researchers in the department. To force eight excellent mathematicians to compete for three jobs or lose their positions in the midst of a pandemic is appallingly cruel.

Fundamental research is under threat in many universities around the world due to shortsighted policies. The inevitable consequence is long term damage to the core mission of our institutions, namely the production and dissemination of knowledge, and, consequently, to the societies they serve.

There is a perception that pure maths, simply because it is not "applied" maths, is not applicable and is never motivated by applications. This is not accurate, and here we see what a dangerous misconception this is. In fact, most of the current applications of maths in computer science come from the pure/discrete side of the aisle, not from applied maths (which is used more in e.g. physics and engineering). I wonder what state the fields of "AI, computational modelling, digitalisation and data science" would be in today if every institution had cut their pure maths research!

Pure math is an important part of mathematics research environment!

I hope he stays

A sound investment in AI and Data Science should imply more investment -- not less -- in mathematics. Destroying mathematics is an ill-informed choice. The fact that this choice is even being considered is already having a negative impact on the university's reputation and future.

University of Leicester is being short-sighted.

Pure math—especially category theory—is becoming imperative for modern industry. Letting these researchers go, especially now that their work is becoming so valuable, would be foolish.

Yes

Former Oxford Professor.

At a university, only the high level administrators are pure...

As a BSc and PhD holder from the University, this seems short sighted and ill thought out.

Pure maths is important for innovations!

To drop pure mathematics is a terrible idea. Any respectable university needs pure mathematics.

As a former employee of Leicester’s School of Informatics, I would like to ask why is the uni doing this to itself?! I have seen this movie before, from Birkbeck (U of London) to Japan, and trust me that it never ended well. And moreover, you have tried this move before. Do you remember the harm it has done to university’s reputation? Do you know how many clear-thinking researchers have moved out of other departments (especially CS) as a result?

There is no credible future in AI for your department without your strong and well respected colleagues doing research in pure mathematics. Don't fire them!