Mathematical Software: How to Sell Mathematics

When faced with the question, “What does a mathematician do if he doesn’t teach?,” most people have one of three answers: “I don’t know.” “He solves problems.” Or, “He analyzes data.” The average person does not think in terms of mathematical modeling or qualitative analysis, much less in terms of abstract theories. This, coupled with the prevailing view that university mathematics is strictly theoretical (ivory tower), and hence of no practical value, sometimes makes the justification of support for research in mathematics a trying undertaking. Outside of the National Science Foundation, managers in industry and government do not always respond well to vague arguments of “eventual” applicability.