The London Mathematical Society has issued a statement with the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) and the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) highlighting our concerns over academic integrity in university assessments and the need for the mathematical sciences to retain the full portfolio of assessment types. Specifically, we believe it is vital that invigilated on-campus examinations and closed-book assessments are retained within the portfolio of assessment options.
This follows on from statements released on this issue previously in 2021 and again in in 2022 when we stressed that, in the interests of fairness, all learners should be given equal opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge.
Over recent years, mathematical science departments have substantially adapted their degree programmes to take advantage of the developments in online learning and assessment technology. While earlier concerns around collusion, file sharing, and outsourcing remain relevant, generative artificial intelligence has fundamentally altered the landscape of academic integrity.
We along with the IMA and RSS encourage all universities to support their departments by maintaining access to the full range of methodologies and techniques that are pedagogically most appropriate to the discipline.
The full statement is available here.
Published 14 July 2025