Wed, 10 Jun 2015

11:30 - 13:00
L1

Materiality of Colour: from Neolithic Earth Colours to Contemporary Interference Pigments

Antoni Malinowski
(Mathematical Institute Commissioned Artist)
Abstract

Artist Antoni Malinowski has been commissioned to produce a major wall painting in the foyer of the new Mathematical Institute in Oxford, the Andrew Wiles Building. To celebrate and introduce that work Antoni and a series of distinguished speakers will demonstrate the different impacts and perceptions of colour produced by the micro-structure of the pigments, from an explanation of the pigments themselves to an examination of how the brain perceives colour.

Speakers:

Jo Volley, Gary Woodley and Malina Busch, the Pigment Timeline Project, Slade School of Fine Art, University College London

‘Pigment Timeline’

Dr. Ruth Siddall - Senior Lecturer in Earth Sciences, University College London

‘Pigments: microstructure and origins?’  

Antoni Malinowski

‘Spectrum Materialised’ 

Prof. Hannah Smithson Associate Professor, Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford and Tutorial Fellow, Pembroke College

‘Colour Perception‘

11.30am, Lecture Theatre 1

Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford

Andrew Wiles Building

Radcliffe Observatory Quarter

No booking required

 

Tue, 16 Jun 2015
16:00
L1

The Gömböc, the Turtle and the Evolution of Shape

Gábor Domokos
(BME Budapest)
Abstract

In 1995, celebrated Russian mathematician V.I. Arnold conjectured that, contrary to common belief, convex, homogeneous solids with just two static balance points ("weebles without a bottom weight") may exist. Ten years later, based on a constructive proof, the first such object, dubbed "Gömböc", was built. In the process leading to the discovery, several curious properties of the shape emerged and evidently some tropical turtles had evolved similar shells for the purpose of self-righting.

This Public Lecture will describe those properties as well as explain the journey of discovery, the mathematics behind the journey, the parallels with molecular biology and the latest Gömböc thinking, most notably Arnold's second major conjecture, namely that the Gömböc in Nature is not the origin, rather the ultimate goal of shape evolution.

Please email @email to register.

Tue, 10 Mar 2015

17:00 - 18:00
L1

Inaugural Titchmarsh Lecture - Cedric Villani

Cedric Villani
(Institut Henri Poincaré)
Abstract

Oxford Mathematics Public Lectures

Inaugural Titchmarsh Lecture

10.03.15

Cédric Villani

Birth of an Idea: A Mathematical Adventure 

What goes on inside the mind of a mathematician? Where does inspiration come from? Cédric Villani will describe how he encountered obstacles and setbacks, losses of faith and even brushes with madness as he wrestled with the theorem that culminated in him winning the most prestigious prize in mathematics, the Fields Medal. Cédric will sign copies of his book after the lecture.

5pm

Lecture Theatre 1, Mathematical Institute, Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, OX2 6GG

Please email @email to register

Cedric Villani is a Professor at the University of Lyon and Director of the Institut Henri Poincaré

Thu, 11 Dec 2014
16:00
L1

The Story of Equations

Andrew Wiles
(Oxford Mathematics)
Abstract

We are pleased to announce that Andrew Wiles will present the inaugural Oxford Mathematics Christmas Public Lecture. Please register by emailing @email

 

Fri, 21 Nov 2014

14:30 - 15:45
L2

The History of Mathematics in 300 Stamps

Robin Wilson
(Open University)
Abstract

The entire history of mathematics in one hour, as illustrated by around 300 postage stamps featuring mathematics and mathematicians from across the world.

From Euclid to Euler, from Pythagoras to Poincaré, and from Fibonacci to the Fields Medals, all are featured in attractive, charming and sometimes bizarre stamps. No knowledge of mathematics or philately required.

Sat, 25 Oct 2014 12:00 -
Sun, 26 Oct 2014 16:00
North Mezz Circulation

Family Drop-In Art Workshops

Abstract

Struggling for ideas at the weekends? Learn how to draw with colour and discover the creation of colour from our natural environment. Have a go at making your own natural paint colours. Create your own mini planet inspired by alchemy and the Radcliffe Observatory. Paint making demonstrations throughout the day with artist Nabil Al. All materials provided. Suitable for all ages from 6 to 60. Invite your friends.

 

Wed, 29 Oct 2014
17:00
L2

Big Data's Big Deal

Viktor Mayer-Schonberger
Abstract
 
Big Data promises to change all sectors of our economy, and deeply affect our society. But beyond the current hype, what are Big Data's salient qualities, and do they warrant the high hopes? How will Big Data shape businesses, especially the financial services industry? What do we need to harness Big Data? And where are Big Data's limits? These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this talk
 
This lecture celebrates the opening of the Oxford-Nie Financial Big Data Laboratory made possible through the generous support of Financial Data Technologies Ltd. The lecture will be preceded by a brief opening ceremony presided over by Professor Andrew Hamilton, Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford and followed by a drinks reception.
 

Viktor Mayer-Schönberger is Professor of Internet Governance and Regulation at the University of Oxford's Internet Institute. He is also a faculty affiliate of Harvard's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Together with Kenneth Cukier he is the co-author of the international bestseller Big Data.

 

 

 

 

Fri, 14 Nov 2014
14:00
L1

Pandora's Promise

Abstract
The atomic bomb and meltdowns like Fukushima have made nuclear power synonymous with global disaster. But what if we’ve got nuclear power wrong? An audience favourite at the Sundance Film Festival, 'Pandora's Promise' asks whether the one technology we fear most could save our planet from a climate catastrophe, while providing the energy needed to lift billions of people in the developing world out of poverty. Director Robert Stone and acclaimed climate change writer Mark Lynas will attend and take questions after the screening.
 
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