Mathematics and the Universities
by
Wilf Malcolm
Universiti Brunei Darussalam

Some twenty years ago I delivered an inaugural address following my appointment as Professor of Pure Mathematics at Victoria University of Wellington. It was entitled, Mathematics: A Carrier of Values for the University. As I acknowledged at the time - ``a pretentious title to be sure, but one that commits me to consider the nature of mathematical activity within the wider consideration of the meaning and purpose of the university.''

In this Colloquium address I will revisit the primary intent of that Inaugural Lecture, but from the fuller perspective of reflection drawn from my years as a teacher of mathematics together with reflection based on my former involvement in university management and development.

Across the centuries and throughout the world most universities have incorporated mathematics as one of their major subject disciplines. How universities understand their role and carry it out will have an impact on the way mathematics develops as a discipline from generation to generation. Equally, the nature of mathematics as an intellectual activity will help to shape our understanding of the primary values and characteristics of a university.

The address will seek to explore this interaction between mathematics and the universities by looking backwards and forwards in the New Zealand context and experience.

Date received: June 13, 1999