Recognizing the 2020 JPBM Communications Award Recipients

Each year, the Joint Policy Board for Mathematics (JPBM) presents the JPBM Communications Award to reward and encourage communicators who bring mathematical ideas and information to non-mathematical audiences on a sustained basis. Established in 1988, the prize is a collaborative effort between SIAM, the American Mathematical Society, the American Statistical Association, and the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). Both mathematicians and non-mathematicians are eligible for up to two awards of $2,000 annually.

The recipients of the 2020 JPBM Communications Award are Chris Budd and James Tanton. As per the citation, Budd received the prize “for his passionate popularization of mathematics. Through his positions at Gresham College, the Royal Institution of Great Britain, and the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, his books, and his work with science festivals and schools, he inspires audiences of all ages.” Tanton was acknowledged “for global leadership in high school mathematics instruction. Through his “G’Day Math!” online courses, MAA Curriculum Inspirations, numerous textbooks, and the Global Math Project, he is inspiring millions to learn and teach math in wonderful new ways.”

Budd and Tanton received their awards during a ceremony at the 2020 Joint Mathematics Meetings, which took place in Denver, Colo., this January.

Read more about the prize and this year’s awardees here.