Maths and stats research
Maths and stats have applications in almost any field you can imagine, but before they can be applied somebody has to develop them — and the somebodies who do this are research mathematicians and statisticians. Most work at universities and divide their time between research and teaching. Some work together with industry or government to come up with solutions to real-life problems, while others explore the lofty heights of pure maths, which may not find applications for another hundred years.
As a researcher you work at the cutting edge of your field and have ample opportunity to travel the world and meet the best minds around. You're in daily contact with students and can help along the next generation of mathematicians, something that is very rewarding in itself.
Exploring new mathematical territory can be hard work and requires a real passion for the field, but the moment you come up with a new idea or theory all of your own can't be beaten by anything else.
Plus magazine career interviews
Plus magazine interview, academic researcher
Find out how an early interest in Mathematics and Physics led Dr Helen Mason to a career in solar studies.
Plus magazine interview, actuarial researcher
Shane Whelan's career path has been defined both by what he enjoyed and by a desire to keep learning. Becoming an actuary seemed like the perfect solution.
Plus magazine interview, computer music researcher
Nick Collins is building an artificial musician
Plus magazine interview, IT consultant
Jason Winborn specialises in human resource management software Peoplesoft, and has been working freelance as a consultant for four years.
Plus magazine interview, applied maths PhD student
An interview with two theoretical physics students studying for PhDs in applied maths.
Plus magazine interview, physics researcher
Francesco Mezzadri and Nina Snaith are PhD students in Applied Mathematics at the University of Bristol. They are also affiliated with Hewlett Packard's BRIMS Laboratory.
Plus magazine careers library
A collection of interviews from people in various maths-related careers, showing the wide range of uses maths can get put to in the real world.
Career profiles from the Royal Statistical Society
Career profiles form the OR Society
Maureen Meadows, OR researcher and lecturer
Operational Research Society careers page
Operational research - helping businesses and organisations to function efficiently - is a major career option for mathematicians. The career page of the OR society tells you how to start and where you can go.
