Essex professor honoured as ‘Founding Fellow’

Professor Chris Saker is one of the first Fellows of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences, a prestigious national body bringing together the UK’s leading mathematical scientists.

The announcement marks a historic milestone for the new Academy, whose ‘Founding Fellows’ include Fields Medal winners, leading academics, educators, industry figures, and science communicators, all recognised for their exceptional contributions to mathematics and its impact across society.

Professor Saker said: “I am honoured to be named as one of the Founding Fellows of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences. I am excited to be working with colleagues from the Academy, as we advance the Academy’s mission to benefit society through the power of the mathematical sciences.”

The Academy’s inaugural cohort will continue in their existing roles while working collectively, through the Academy, to address some of the UK’s most pressing challenges. These include modelling climate change, preparing for future pandemics, supporting the safe development of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, strengthening national security through cryptography, and shaping mathematics education and skills for tomorrow’s economy.

Fellows have been recognised for leadership in their fields through fundamental discovery, excellence in education, or the application of mathematics across business, industry, and government as part of the UK’s critical national infrastructure.

Professor Saker is a Professor in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science at Essex, where he is currently Deputy Head of School. Previous senior leadership roles include Director of Education and Employability Development Director.

Alongside his work at Essex, Professor Saker spent nearly 20 years with the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme and its predecessor organisations, supporting mathematics education nationally and regionally, with a particular focus on problem-solving and student transition to higher education.

He has also served for six years on the London Mathematical Society Education Committee and is currently Chair of its Teaching Mathematics as a Career (TeMaC) Sub-Committee. He is also a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

“Fellows represent the very best”

Lord Vallance, 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), said: “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.”

“Individuals of exceptional distinction”

Academy President, Professor Dame Alison Etheridge, said “I’m delighted to welcome our inaugural Fellows - individuals of exceptional distinction who collectively advance the mathematical sciences through discovery, leadership, education, and real-world application.

“As Fellows of the Academy, they will come together in service of the wider public good: bringing independent expertise to bear on national priorities, championing excellence in mathematics education, strengthening the UK’s research and innovation base, and helping to ensure that mathematics continues to deliver opportunity, resilience and prosperity across our four nations.”