Past LMS Librarian wins prestigious Royal Society award

The London Mathematical Society (LMS) congratulates Professor June Barrow-Green on her award of the 2021 Royal Society Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar Medal and Lecture.

Professor Barrow-Green received the award for ‘her research in 19th and 20th century mathematics, notably on historical roots of modern computing, dynamical systems and the three-body problem. Her work places special emphasis on the under-representation of women in historical narratives and in contemporary mathematics. Her recent work includes decolonising of the mathematical curriculum’. The Society is particularly pleased to see recognition for Professor Barrow-Green’s work in support of equality of opportunity in the mathematics community, which is something the Society strongly supports as well.

Throughout her career, Professor Barrow-Green has contributed extensively to the activities of the LMS, including as LMS Librarian and as a member of LMS Council (2008-2018). In particular, her position as a renowned member of the history of mathematics community and her valuable historical knowledge has been at the heart of many important projects for the LMS.

The Society celebrated its 150th Anniversary in 2015 and Professor Barrow Green was an influential member of the 2015 Celebrations Committee and provided a wide range of ideas and input on a number of major Anniversary projects. These included the production of the LMS timeline from 1865 to the present day (available on the Society’s website here.) and also organising and hosting a De Morgan Day at the Society’s headquarters in London, celebrating the life and work of the first LMS President, Professor Augustus De Morgan.

Professor Barrow-Green was also involved in a range of other LMS activities, including as a member of the Website Development Group, LMS Personnel Committee, LMS Prizes Committee and LMS-IMA Zeeman Medal Committee and she has also been the LMS Council Diarist. She has shared her invaluable experience as a member of the Standing Orders Review Group and the LMS Newsletter Editorial Board.

More information about the 2021 Royal Society Medal and Award winners is available here