Mathematical Institute Bulletin

You know those annoying social media films where a mic is shoved in front of a bunch of students and they're asked questions that have nothing to do with their studies or their lives, hoping they say something vaguely funny or interesting that might get a billion views on TikTok?

It's tough, isn't? Probably one of the biggest challenges for mathematicians of all ages. Just how do you talk about your subject to friends and family who aren't mathematical? Our crack team of undergraduates ponder.

Massada Public Seminar @Worcester College 

Itay Glazer (Technion, Israeli Institute of Technology)  -  The Mathematics of Shuffling

Colleagues are invited to register for the Centre for Teaching and Learning’s final two Developing Academic Skills workshops this academic year. The in-person sessions support colleagues involved in teaching or supporting undergraduate and postgraduate taught students’ academic skills development. Topics are structuring and editing (Monday 26 January), and developing exam and revision skills (Monday 23 February).

Find out more and register for the workshops

Image: Rosalind Russell and Cary Grant in His Girl Friday (1939)

Strengthen your research skills in our free workshops. 

Open to all. The full programme of workshops is on our website.

The week will celebrate locally led initiatives and events across departments, colleges, societies, sports teams and more. This year’s theme is “The top 5 things to do for the environment as a [...]".

Interested in leading or co-hosting an event, or sharing an idea? Follow the link to join the Green Action Week Teams channel to access resources and connect with other event leads.

Join the Green Action Week Teams channel

Image: Lionel Walden, Steel Works, Cardiff at Night

The annual Green Templeton Burns Night Ceilidh will take place in the Mathematical Institute on 23rd January. They have reserved 30 places for mathematicians. Our secret code is MATHBURNS26

Book your place

From application and interview support to sector insights and inspiring guest speakers, Hilary term offers a wide range of opportunities for students at every stage of career planning. Term planner highlights include the Creative Careers Festival in 4th week, the Crankstart and Diversity Fair in 7th week, and ongoing internship application support throughout the term.

Hilary Term Planner

Image: Theodore Miller - Lee Miller (left) and Tanja Ramm having breakfast in bed at Lee’s Paris studio, 1931

The Radcliffe Science Library invites science and medicine postgraduates to give a short, engaging 5–7 minute talk on their research. It’s a great chance to practice explaining your work clearly and succinctly - perfect preparation for the DPhil transfer or upcoming conferences - and to connect with other researchers in a relaxed setting. A complimentary pizza lunch will follow the talks.

Radcliffe Science Library , Friday 20 March 2026, 12:00–13:00 followed by lunch.

Image: Francesco di Giorgio Martini - Saint Bernardino Preaching from a Pulpit

The Micro-Internship Programme offers Oxford students the chance to gain hands-on experience by observing and supporting real projects across a wide range of sectors, from academia and heritage to law, publishing, tech, and beyond.. These short placements last up to five days, run in Weeks 9 and 10 of Hilary term, and may be in person, remote, or hybrid. Apply by 1 February.

The Micro-Internship Programme is open to both UG and PG students. Browse micro-internships and apply

To start Hilary term, join us in N4.01 on Friday 23rd at 12:30 pm for free pizza and a fun quiz competition. This is the perfect Mathematrix event to come to if you’ve been wanting to swing by for a while and haven’t had the opportunity. 

And see our term card below.

Mah Na Mah Na