Please note that the list below only shows forthcoming events, which may not include regular events that have not yet been entered for the forthcoming term. Please see the past events page for a list of all seminar series that the department has on offer.

 

Past events in this series


Wed, 21 May 2025
17:30
Lecture Theatre 1

Blueprints: how mathematics shapes creativity - Marcus du Sautoy

Marcus du Sautoy
(University of Oxford)
Further Information

Many of the artists that we encounter are completely unaware of the mathematics that bubble beneath their craft, while some consciously use it for inspiration. Our instincts might tell us that these two subjects are incompatible forces with nothing in common, mathematics being the realm of precise logic and art being the realm of emotion and aesthetics. But what if we’re wrong?

Marcus du Sautoy unpacks how we make art, why a creative mindset is vital for discovering mathematics, and how a fundamental connection to the natural world intrinsically links the two subjects. 

Marcus du Sautoy is a mathematician, author and broadcaster. He is Charles Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science in Oxford.

Please email @email to register to attend in person.

The lecture will be broadcast on the Oxford Mathematics YouTube Channel on Wednesday 11 June at 5-6pm and any time after (no need to register for the online version).

The Oxford Mathematics Public Lectures are generously supported by XTX Markets.

Wed, 04 Jun 2025
17:00
Lecture Theatre 1, Mathematical Institute, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, OX2 6GG

Responsible modelling and the ethics of mathematics for decision support - Erica Thompson

Erica Thompson
(University College London)
Further Information

Mathematical models are used to inform decisions across many sectors including climate change, finance, and epidemics. But models are not perfect representations of the real world – they are partial, uncertain and often biased.  What, then, does responsible modelling look like?  And how can we apply this ethical framework to new AI modelling methods?

Erica Thompson is Associate Professor of Modelling for Decision Making at UCL’s Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP), and the author of 'Escape From Model Land' (2022).

Please email @email to register to attend in person.

The lecture will be broadcast on the Oxford Mathematics YouTube Channel on Wednesday 25 June at 5-6pm and any time after (no need to register for the online version).

The Oxford Mathematics Public Lectures are generously supported by XTX Markets.