Professor Chris Dent Elected Fellow of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences

The newly established Academy brings together leaders across academia, industry, education, business and government. Its mission is to “provide an authoritative, persuasive, and influential voice for the whole of the mathematical sciences”, championing the discipline’s role in addressing complex societal challenges.

A Career at the Interface of Mathematics, Energy, and Public Policy

Professor Dent is Professor of Industrial Mathematics in the School of Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh. He has held academic and research positions at Durham University, Phillips-Universität Marburg, Heriot-Watt University, and the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering.

His research spans energy systems, infrastructure modelling, and decision‑support for government and industry. Much of his current work focuses on:

• Energy security of supply
• Climate resilience
• Risk and uncertainty in national infrastructure systems

He has contributed to major innovation and consultancy projects with the National Energy System Operator, National Grid, UK Power Networks, Anglian Water and SSE. He also serves on the Science Assurance Group for the 4th UK Climate Change Risk Assessment, helping to guide national understanding of climate-related risks.

Beyond academia, he plays a significant role in the wider professional community. Professor Dent is:

• a member of the National Energy System Operator’s Technology Advisory Council
• active in IEEE Standards, including serving as Standards Coordinator for the IEEE Power and Energy Society Analytical Methods for Power Systems Committee
• a Chartered Engineer
• a Fellow of the IET, the Institution of Engineers in Scotland, and the OR Society

His contributions have been recognised through major awards, including the Edinburgh Mathematical Society’s Impact Prize and the IET Young Engineer Career Achievement Award.

A Longstanding Connection to Durham

Professor Dent worked at Durham University from 2009–2016, during which time he played a key role in shaping the early direction of the Durham Energy Institute. His collaborations at Durham were foundational in his work on electricity security of supply and his long‑standing engagement with national energy modelling.

Reflecting on the honour, he said:

“I am very proud to be part of the first cohort of Fellows of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences. The Fellowship illustrates the importance of the Mathematical Sciences across society, with research, industry/government activity and education as equal pillars. I look forward to new opportunities to support the wider community in my specialist areas of energy, engineering and public policy.”

He added:

“I worked at Durham University from 2009–2016, and much of my career is built on the opportunities I had there – including support for my early work with National Grid on electricity security of supply, learning from many collaborators, and the many connections through Durham Energy Institute where I was Co‑Director for Impact in my latter years. I am very pleased to be able to continue contributing as an External Fellow of DEI, and will soon be in Durham to give a seminar to the Student Energy Society.”

DEI warmly congratulates Professor Dent on this prestigious and well‑deserved recognition and looks forward to welcoming him back to Durham for his upcoming seminar with Durham Student Energy Society.