Mathematics provides a conceptual framework to change the world. It is a quantitative infrastructure that can be applied to many of the seemingly intractable problems our world faces today. Whether we are speaking of technological, economic, societal, sustainable or health challenges, the Faculty of Mathematics is already helping to shape solutions.
Yet mathematics is not constrained by known problems or application to existing challenges. It is driven by curiosity, by the desire to create beautiful new structures at once unfettered and informed by our natural world and human experience. Its value lies in exploration and the expansion of knowledge, resulting in discoveries for which there may well be no outward application, or one that will be revealed just beyond the horizon.
The world needs mathematics. That is true across the whole range of our work, from the most applied technological and lab-based research projects to the most fundamental and theoretical explorations. It is our responsibility to create mathematical ideas and solutions, to educate experts and problem-solvers, and to engage the curiosity of researchers and students of all ages.
It is in this context that I am pleased to present our new Math Strategic Framework, which will help guide our work in the coming years.
From plan to framework
Typically, institutions of higher education create five-year plans. Here in the Faculty of Mathematics, we have traditionally followed that pattern. But with the pace of change today and shifting expectations and responsibilities for academic institutions, the typical five-year patterns of planning are insufficient.
We have taken an intentional step to shift from cyclical plans to a more dynamic and flexible approach: a strategic framework. By “framework,” we mean to provide the same clarity of direction as in our traditional strategic planning, complemented by an annual review cycle that enables that direction to shift as necessary and adapt over time.
Drawing on Waterloo at 100
Our Math Strategic Framework draws inspiration from the new Waterloo at 100 vision. We find this vision to be aspirational and at the same time grounded in necessity and practicality. Through our planning process we identified the elements of Waterloo at 100 where Math is best positioned to make meaningful contributions while also making space to emphasize other Faculty priorities, like curiosity-driven exploration.
We also identified unique Math strengths. Some of these appear in this framework as distinct goals and others – most notably our renowned outreach work and international impact –contribute across multiple goals and objectives in an integrated fashion, reflecting the way this work broadly impacts the Faculty.
Ongoing consultative process
The Math Strategic Framework is the result of a highly involved consultative process. Thank you to everyone who participated in consultations and to the members of the Math Planning Forum and Math Strategic Planning Committee for their contributions.
The consultations do not stop here. Now that the Math Strategic Framework is being put into practice, we will continue to consult with employees and students in the Faculty of Mathematics, and continue to refine our strategies, goals and priorities. We see the launch of the Math Strategic Framework not as the end of a process, but as a beginning.
I am excited for this new direction we are taking as a Faculty, and the ways that our decision-making is being informed by ongoing engagement with our Faculty of Mathematics community.
Math with purpose
The new Math Strategic Framework foregrounds our commitments and responsibilities. It is not a checklist of things to accomplish so much as it is a process that we can use to realize our great aspirations.
As you will see, the Math Strategic Framework intersects with the grand challenges the world is facing today while affirming the need for intellectual exploration that might shape tomorrow. We are committed to mobilizing our work for positive impact, from local to global. We are committed to advancing fundamental knowledge. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. And we are most of all committed to people and to ensuring a Waterloo Math community where people thrive, connect and contribute.
We believe that Waterloo Mathematics, our uniquely connected conception of mathematics, computer science, statistics and actuarial science, has a special role to play in addressing the pressing issues of today and of tomorrow. When we do math with purpose, we make a better world.