JPBM: Then and Now
By Paul Zorn
Abbreviations and acronyms are found everywhere in mathematics: AC, DE, FOIL, NP, QED, ZFC, . . ., and all over our discipline's public side: AMS, ASA, MAA, SIAM. NSF alone is a famous producer and consumer: DMS, EHR, GRFP, IUSE, REU, . . . . It takes effort to find the bottom of this bowl of alphabet soup.
Here's one more to master: JPBM, the Joint Policy Board for Mathematics. JPBM is a joint effort of the American Mathematical Society, the American Statistical Association, the Mathematical Association of America, and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics—all mentioned acronymically above.
As described in Everett Pitcher's Volume I: A History of the Second Fifty Years, American Mathematical Society, 1939--1988, JPBM's history spans over 80 years, and involves too many famous names to rehearse here. In 1939 and 1940 the AMS and MAA created a joint War Preparedness Committee, to solve research problems and prepare mathematicians for the war effort, and to “. . . [strengthen] undergraduate mathematical education in our colleges to the point where it affords adequate preparation in mathematics for military and naval services of any nature.” In 1942, “preparedness” now in the past, the committee was renamed as the War Policy Committee and reorganized with new duties, including to assure enough college mathematics teachers and to advise the Examinations Staff of the US Armed Forces Institute. The War Policy Committee also advocated for an occupational draft deferment for college and university mathematicians and for mathematics graduate students.
The War Policy Committee was disbanded in 1945, as the War ended, and gradually morphed into a joint Policy Committee of the AMS, the MAA, and two smaller societies. The new Committee involved itself in such then-timely matters as the formation of the National Science Foundation, the rebirth of the International Mathematical Union, and logistics for the quadrennial International Congress of Mathematicians. The Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences—still in operation—was a later offshoot of the Policy Committee, as was, in 1973, a “Washington Presence,” described as a “knowledgeable mathematician . . . who would . . . espouse the cause of mathematics as liaison between the mathematical community and government.” This Presence eventually morphed into the Office of Governmental and Public Affairs.
Yet another offshoot of the old Policy Committee is the current JPBM, which includes representatives and guests from all four societies. JPBM's twice-yearly meetings include reports from NSF and government relations officers and staff, covering pending governmental priorities, funding prospects, issues, and legislation. Societies also report on their own live policy issues and matters of cross-society interest are discussed.
At the May 2022 meeting, much discussion focused on the various societies' efforts in EDI (equity, diversity, and inclusion) matters. We learned, for instance, that several societies have hired new top-level officers for EDI programs, and that all societies are working to address EDI issues through committee appointments, peer reviewing policies, meetings conduct policies, and work with early-career mathematicians. Other topics discussed included online vs. in-person meetings policies. All four societies have been very cautious in pandemic times, but MathFest 2022 was held in person in Philadelphia, and JMM 2023 is now planned in person at Boston.
JPBM considers a wide variety of timely topics like those just mentioned. Other recent examples have included societies’ views on the 2020 census; the future of mathematical publication as open access develops; welcoming policies at society and international meetings; publicizing mathematical contributions to addressing national problems—including COVID.
In an instance of bitter irony, given JPBM's origin in World War II, the subject of war arose again, now in reference to Ukraine and Russia. In May 2022 societies were still working out their responses, but we learned that the 2022 International Congress of Mathematicians, formerly scheduled for St. Petersburg, would be held only in virtual form.
In better news, discussion focused on the JPBM Communications Award, which celebrates the spreading of mathematical ideas to larger audiences. The 2022 winner is an MAA favorite: Talithia Williams of Harvey Mudd College, cited for her work in “bringing mathematics and statistics into the homes and hands of millions through her work as a TV host, renowned speaker, and author.’’
A committee successfully recommended two well-deserving recipients of the 2023 Award from an impressive roster of candidates. Awardees will be announced later and awards presented at JMM 2023.
JPBM is not the only acronymic group of its type. CBMS (the Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences), mentioned above, is a close relative, with related roots and similar activities. More on CBMS in another blog post.
Paul Zorn is Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. He served as Editor of Mathematics Magazine, 1996–2000, and as MAA President in 2011-12.