Maths professor appointed to international education body

A Reading maths professor has been appointed as the UK representative for an organisation devoted to research and development in mathematical education globally.

Professor Paul Glaister will be UK representative on the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI).

His appointment recognises his extensive work and activities across maths and maths education nationally, along with membership of many national committees and bodies.

On his appointment, Professor Glaister said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be appointed to this role. I am looking forward to representing mathematics education, and the teaching and learning of mathematics from primary to university level across the UK, to the rest of the world through ICMI, and to representing worldwide mathematics education to the UK.

“I am also looking forward to working with colleagues represented by the other 87 ICMI member countries across the globe over the next five years.”

Professor Glaister is Professor of Mathematics and Mathematics Education in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the 2022/23 academic year will be his 40th as a member of staff in the Department.

The ICMI seeks to promote international programs of activities and publications that increase collaboration and sharing of ideas on maths education at all levels, improve the quality of maths teaching and learning worldwide, and support and assist the International Congress on Mathematical Education (ICME).

The ICMI is a commission of the International Mathematical Union (IMU), an international non-governmental and non-profit scientific organisation whose purpose is to promote international cooperation in mathematics.

Among international organisations devoted to mathematics education, ICMI is distinctive because of its close ties with the professional communities of mathematicians and mathematical educators as well as its breadth.