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Report of the General Board on the establishment of a Professorship of Nonlinear Mathematical Science

The GENERAL BOARD beg leave to report to the University as follows:

1. A Professorship of Nonlinear Dynamics was established in the University from 1 October 1995 and assigned to the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics for the tenure of Professor R.S. MacKay (Reporter, 1994-95, p. 1066). Professor MacKay has resigned the Professorship with effect from 1 March 2000, and the Faculty Board of Mathematics, with the support of the Council of the School of the Physical Sciences, have proposed that the Professorship should be re-established for a further tenure, but in the broader field of nonlinear mathematical science.

2. Nonlinear mathematical science is an interdisciplinary field of ever-increasing importance in the physical, biological, and engineering sciences and is one in which the University has developed a strong reputation. However, the resignation of Professor MacKay, and that of an Assistant Director of Re-search in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, will seriously weaken the Department's teaching and research within the Nonlinear Dynamics Group, which provides the focus for this important field of activity within the Department. The Faculty Board of Mathematics have advised the General Board that it is essential for the Department to maintain and further develop its strong presence in this area if interdisciplinary science in the University is to be encouraged, and has further advised the Board that there is a need for a senior appointment to provide continuity of leadership at international level in an area of specialism within the general field of nonlinear mathematical science. Accordingly, the Faculty Board have proposed that a Professorship of Nonlinear Mathematical Science be established for one tenure, utilizing the funds that will be released from the Professorship of Nonlinear Dynamics which will lapse on the resignation of Professor MacKay. The General Board have accepted the case made by the Faculty Board and have agreed to support the proposal. They are satisfied that the Professorship will attract a strong field of candidates.

3. The General Board accordingly propose that a Professorship of Nonlinear Mathematical Science be established for one tenure from 1 March 2000, and assigned to the Department of Applied Mathe-matics and Theoretical Physics, and that a Senior Assistantship in Research that has been held in abeyance during Professor MacKay's tenure should remain in abeyance for the tenure of the Professor. They have agreed to concur in the view of the Faculty Board of Mathematics that the election to the Professorship should be made by an ad hoc Board of Electors. They have also agreed that candidature should be open without limitation or preference to all persons whose work falls within the field of the title of the office.

4. The General Board recommend:

That a Professorship of Nonlinear Mathematical Science be established for one tenure with effect from 1 March 2000, placed in Schedule B of the Statutes, and assigned to the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics on condition that the Senior Assistantship in Research in the Department that became vacant on 1 January 1996 on the resignation of Dr P.A. Glendinning is held in abeyance during the Professor's tenure.

1 December 1999

ALEC N. BROERS, Vice-Chancellor MALCOLM GRANT N. J. MACKINTOSH
P. J. BAYLEY BRIAN F. G. JOHNSON ADRIAN POOLE
A. L. R. FINDLAY JOHN A. LEAKE KATE PRETTY
KEITH GLOVER PETER LIPTON M. SCHOFIELD

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Cambridge University Reporter, 15 December 1999
Copyright © 1999 The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge.