Short for “Spy Pi.” The coded term for a math secret agent—who usually works as a journal or college textbook math editor, reviewer, or consultant—who would leak out information about submitted journal articles or contracted unedited manuscripts on the number π to some tenured faculty members (or to those seeking a permanent position in academia) in exchange for cash or favors.
Although the pool of 007 π operatives worldwide is unknown, however, their number is likely to be much higher than expected, as they’re sought after by faculty members who’d resort to unethical means and ways to secure tenure.
by Fasters November 24, 2022