John Mack

Professor John Mack is an Honorary Associate Professor in Mathematics at the School of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney. He previously served as Associate Professor and held the position of Professor in the school until 1997, after which he continued as an honorary staff member. Mack has made significant contributions to university administration, including serving as Chair of the Academic Board. His academic career at the University of Sydney spans decades, during which he has been affiliated with the Number Theory group and engaged in research across diverse areas.

Mack's research specializations include mathematics, mathematics education, higher education, and curriculum theory. He has co-authored key publications that highlight his expertise in the history of cryptography and trends in mathematical learning. Notable works include 'Code Breaking in the Pacific' (2014, with Peter Donovan), which examines Allied Signals Intelligence activities against Japan from 1920 to 1945, detailing the cryptanalytic techniques used to break Japanese Navy code JN-25 and the Army’s Water Transport Code. This book addresses organizational aspects of cryptographic teams and the role of Sigint in Pacific War planning. He also co-edited 'Mathematics and its Teaching in the Asia-Pacific Region' (2018, with Bruce Vogeli). Other significant publications are 'Mathematics preparation for university: entry, pathways and impact on performance in first year science and mathematics subjects' (2015, with Jackie Nicholas and Rachel Wilson), 'Declines in high school mathematics and science participation: evidence of students' and future teachers' disengagement with maths' (2014, with Rachel Wilson), 'Stagnation, decline and gender disparity in participation in NSW HSC mathematics and science' (with Rachel Wilson and Barry Walsh), and 'The tree in Pythagoras' Garden' (2010). Mack has contributed to historical accounts of Sydney University's involvement in World War II codebreaking under Professor T.G. Room, including articles on the group's successes in deciphering Japanese diplomatic and military codes. He delivered a public lecture on 'The breaking of Japanese Army and Navy diplomatic codes' at the CARMA Colloquium in 2016. His scholarship has advanced understanding of cryptologic history and participation trends in mathematics and science education.

Professional Email: john.mack@sydney.edu.au