The state of mathematical sciences in Australia

摘要

Mathematics and statistics in Australia face substantial challenges. The recent Federal Budget and the important Bradley review of the higher education system in Australia barely mention the mathematical sciences. On the other hand, the National Strategic Review of Mathematical Sciences~1, released in 2006, identified a serious decline in mathematics education in both schools and universities. The 2009 Budget contained a number of measures to improve higher education, including ambitious targets for equity and access. It would seem that the problems in mathematical sciences will be a substantial obstacle to achieving these targets, especially in key areas such as engineering, economics and commerce, environment and climate change, bioinformatics and biostatistics, resource allocation and infrastructure. It is important to note that the mathematical sciences community has been producing evidence of the problems, strategic plans and submissions to numerous reviews for the last three years, with little effect, except requests for more submissions, plans and evidence!