London Mathematical Society

London Mathematical Society. It is one of the principal learned societies for mathematics in the United Kingdom, founded in the mid-19th century to promote and extend mathematical knowledge. The society plays a central role in the British mathematical community through its meetings, extensive publication program, and the awarding of prestigious prizes. Its activities support research, education, and the dissemination of mathematical ideas both nationally and internationally.

History

The society was established on 16 January 1865 at University College London, with Augustus De Morgan serving as its first president. Early meetings were held at various locations, including the University of Cambridge and the Royal Astronomical Society, reflecting its close ties with other scientific institutions. A significant early achievement was the launch of its Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society in 1865, which quickly became a leading journal. The society received a Royal Charter in 1965, a century after its foundation, cementing its status. Its headquarters moved to its current location, named De Morgan House in Bloomsbury in 1988.

Activities and publications

A core activity is organizing scientific meetings, including its regular programme at De Morgan House and major conferences such as the biennial British Mathematical Colloquium. It publishes a suite of highly regarded research journals, notably the Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society, the Journal of the London Mathematical Society, and the Bulletin of the London Mathematical Society. The society also produces monograph series like the London Mathematical Society Lecture Note Series and the London Mathematical Society Student Texts. It engages in public policy through committees and supports early-career researchers via events like the Celebration of New Appointments.

Governance and membership

The society is governed by a Council elected from its membership, led by a President who serves a two-year term; the current president is Julia Gog. Membership is divided into several classes, including Fellow, Associate, and Student, with distinguished members elected as Honorary Members. Key administrative work is conducted by its Executive Secretary and staff based at De Morgan House. The society collaborates closely with other bodies such as the Royal Society and the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.

Prizes and awards

It administers several major awards to recognize outstanding contributions to mathematics. The premier award is the De Morgan Medal, awarded triennially for lifetime achievement. Other senior prizes include the Senior Whitehead Prize and the Pólya Prize. For early-career mathematicians, it awards the Whitehead Prize and the Anne Bennett Prize. The society also awards the Berwick Prize and the Fröhlich Prize, and funds prestigious lectureships such as the Hardy Lecture and the Presidential Address. Many recipients of these awards have gone on to win international honours like the Fields Medal and the Abel Prize.

Notable members

Throughout its history, it has counted many of the world's most influential mathematicians among its members. Early presidents included foundational figures like Arthur Cayley and J. J. Sylvester. Twentieth-century luminaries include G. H. Hardy, John Edensor Littlewood, and Mary Cartwright, the first female president. Renowned members who have shaped modern mathematics include Michael Atiyah, a former president and recipient of the Fields Medal and Abel Prize, and Timothy Gowers, also a Fields Medalist. Contemporary leaders in the field, such as Dusa McDuff and Peter Kronheimer, have also served in prominent roles.

Category:Mathematical societies Category:Organizations based in London Category:Learned societies of the United Kingdom