A £2m mathematics prize? That is treating Stem subjects with the reverence they deserve

Hopefully prizes like this can encourage more young people – particularly women – towards studying science, technology, engineering and maths, writes Konnie Huq

Science still has an image problem (Christopher Furlong/Getty)

A UK mathematician has won the most lucrative prize in academia. Martin Hairer, a researcher at Imperial College, landed the £2.3m award for his work on stochastic analysis.

I know. It’s to do with how random occurrences can turn the maths of normal things into hugely complex problems. His work has been described as so great and advanced, it is like that of alien being! He currently lives in a rented flat with his wife, a fellow mathematician. 

He can buy a house now – more than one if he’s feeling fruity. And he can buy a new car to park in the drive – more than one…  Mr Hairer can do the maths better than me. The possibilities are endless. This news brings music to my ears: it’s time to glamorise science a bit – and undoubtedly money can add a bit of glamour.