Publication
Mathematics for action: supporting science-based decision-making
Everything we do is based on some mathematical structure, and although mathematics is often considered abstract, it is fundamental to how we understand nature, the larger universe, with its time and space dimensions and a myriad of uncertainties.
The Covid-19 pandemic brought mathematical modeling to the forefront of public attention and debate. Vocabulary such as ‘flattening the curve’ has become part of the collective lexicon. Governments all over the world rely on mathematics not only to forecast the epidemic but also to understand social issues like vaccine hesitancy.
Mathematics has allowed for pivotal improvements in weather prediction and has applications in agriculture and fisheries. With new mathematical approaches, a tropical cyclone’s track can now be predicted up to 1 week in advance giving communities time to evacuate, and potentially saving lives and reducing economic losses.
The Mathematics for Action toolkit focuses on engaging stories of mathematics in action. Written by mathematicians and thought leaders from across the globe, it presents fascinating research of how mathematics is addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.
The toolkit provides insightful information for decision-makers and for all those who seek proofs to challenging questions and it presents new avenues for scientific research.
