(Photo by Jon Callas from San Jose, USA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Friday 21 August 2026 5.30pm-6.30pm with drinks and canapes to follow
University of Sydney Camperdown Campus (Location TBA)
Alan Turing was a mathematician who left a remarkable legacy which continues to influence research in computing, codebreaking, artificial intelligence and mathematical logic. Notably, much of Turing’s work was completed before the first programmable computer was released.
Our guest speaker, Professor Benjamin Burton will explore Turing’s life, some of his most important and surprising results, and discuss how they continue to influence mathematics and computing today. The lecture is suited to a mathematically-curious audience and there is no need for any specialist knowledge or background.
About the speaker: Benjamin Burton (he/him) is a Professor in the School of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Queensland where he teaches supercomputers how to untangle knots. His academic career spans geometry, cryptography, computer science and finance, and he has just finished serving as President of the International Olympiad in Informatics. Professor Burton is a prominent advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in STEM, and an award-winning and engaging speaker who makes deep mathematics accessible and enjoyable to a wide range of audiences.
About the MC: Alice Motion (They/She) is Professor of Science and Culture at the School of Chemistry, University of Sydney where they lead the Science Communication, Outreach, Participation and Education (SCOPE) Research Group. Alice’s research and practice explores science democratisation through open source drug discovery, citizen science, and exploring intersections between science and culture as creative methods for science communication.