Developing mathematical innovators to bridge research and impact in data-driven applications

The effective deployment of mathematical sciences in interdisciplinary, data-driven research remains a challenge for universities. Despite underpinning the UK’s digital research capability, mathematics often fails to translate into real-world impact, in part due to the lack of structured roles for researchers working at the interface of academia, industry, and government. This paper presents the Mathematical Innovation Research Associate (MIRA) model, developed at the Institute for Mathematical Innovation, University of Bath. The model formalises the role of PhD qualified mathematical scientists as embedded research professionals. MIRAs apply techniques from applied mathematics, statistics and machine learning to projects spanning health, engineering, social sciences and public policy. Their time is allocated across externally funded work, with flexible deployment and cost recovery mechanisms ensuring sustainability. We describe the model’s operational, financial and professional development structures. Since 2018, the MIRA team has supported over 60 projects and contributed to £27 million in research income. The model is now being adopted nationally via the MInDS programme, which supports institutions to establish similar roles. The MIRA model offers a scalable, transferable framework for embedding mathematical capability into research ecosystems, bridging the gap between academic expertise and applied, interdisciplinary impact.