15:00
15:00
Why study the history of mathematics?
Abstract
Many justifications can be offered for the study of the history of mathematics. Here we focus on three, each of them illustrated by a specific historical example: it can aid in the learning of mathematics; it can prompt the development of new mathematics; and last but certainly not least – it's fun and interesting!
Where does collaborating end and plagiarising begin?
Abstract
Despite the stereotype of the lone genius working by themselves, most professional mathematicians collaborate with others. But when you're learning maths as a student, is it OK to work with other people, or is that cheating? How do you build the skills and confidence to collaborate effectively? And where does AI fit into all this? In this session, we'll explore ways in which you can get the most out of collaborations with your fellow students, whilst avoiding inadvertently passing off other people's work as your own.
What are employers looking for in mathematical graduates?
Abstract
In this interactive session, Jenny Roberts from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications will offer guidance on what employers are looking for in mathematical graduates, and how best to sell yourself for those jobs!
Talking Maths
Abstract
Dissertations and projects: Making the most of your supervision meetings
Abstract
Exploring fascinating mathematics more independently by doing a Part B project or dissertation can be one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of undergraduate study. Supervision meetings are one of the main tools for making the most of this experience.
In this Fridays@2 session, a panel of staff and students with experience in Part B projects and dissertations will share practical tips on how to prepare, communicate effectively, and tackle common challenges. Whether you’re currently working on a project, planning one, or just curious, join us for insights and an interactive Q&A.
16:00
$p$-Adic Variation in the Theory of Automorphic Forms
Abstract
This will be an expository lecture intended for a general mathematical audience to illustrate, through examples, the theme of $p$-adic variation in the classical theory of modular forms. Classically, modular forms are complex analytic objects, but because their Fourier coefficients are typically integral, it is possible to also do elementary arithmetic with them. Early examples arose already in the work of Ramanujan. Today one knows that modular forms encode deep arithmetic information about elliptic curves and Galois representations. Our main goal will be to illustrate these ideas through simple concrete examples.
16:00
Fridays@4 – Trading Options: Predicting the Future in More Ways Than One
Abstract
In the fast-paced world of trading, where exabytes of data and advanced mathematical models offer powerful insights, how do you harness these to anticipate market shifts and evolving prices? Numbers alone only tell part of the story. Beneath the surface lies the unpredictable force of human behaviour – the delicate balance of buyers and sellers shaping the market’s course.
In this talk, we’ll uncover how these forces intertwine, revealing insights that not only harness data but challenge conventional thinking about the future of trading.
Speaker: Chris Horrobin (Head of European and US people development for Optiver)

Speaker bio
Chris Horrobin is Head of European and US people development for Optiver. Chris started his career trading US and German bond options, adding currency and European index options into the mix before moving to focus primarily on index options. Chris spent his first three years in Amsterdam before transferring to Sydney.
During these years, Chris traded some of the biggest events of his career including Brexit and Trump (first time around) and before moving back to Europe led the positional team in his last year. Chris then moved out of trading and into our training team running our trading education space for four years, owning both the design and execution of our renowned internship and grad programs.
The Education Team at Optiver is central to the Optiver culture and focus on growth – both of employees and the company. Chris has now extended his remit to cover the professional development of hires throughout the business.
17:00
The Brooke Benjamin Lecture in Fluid Dynamics: The Elusive Singularity
Abstract
The Seventeenth Brooke Benjamin Lecture 2024
The Elusive Singularity
I will describe the open problems of singularity formation in incompressible fluids. I will discuss a list of related models, some results, and some more open problems.