Since prehistoric times, humans have used knots for their functional and aesthetic value. Knots, links and braids have held decorative, artistic and spiritual significance across a myriad of cultures. For mathematicians, the study of knots has led to insights in disciplines such as geometry and topology.
Professor Purcell’s research explores some of the surprising applications of knot theory.
SMRI Director Professor of Mathematics Geordie Williamson explored how machine learning can help with the intuitive aspects of mathematical research. Geordie carried out one of the first applications of AI in pure mathematics, in collaboration with Oxford University mathematicians and DeepMind, the AI company of AlphaGo fame. The results were published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature in December 2021.
This public event took place on 15 March 2022, co-presented with Sydney Ideas.
Esteemed algebraic number theorist Professor Frank Calegari gave a public talk on the secrets of Pi, presented by SMRI as part of his 2022 Mahler Lecture Tour .
In this talk, Frank explored a conjecture (formalized by Grothendieck) which explains how seemingly different occurrences of Pi (as well as many other interesting mathematical constants) should all be related, and how these numbers are linked to some the biggest open problems in algebra and number theory.
What does the French revolution, a deadly duel and squaring a circle have to do with the birth of modern algebra? SMRI’s public lecture on 14 March was part of celebrations for the 2023 International Day of Mathematics, aka Pi Day 3.14.
“Duels and Duality: A fable about the life & mathematics of Évariste Galois” was presented by mathematician Oded Yacobi of the University of Sydney.
To celebrate Women in Mathematics Day (12 May), SMRI hosted a screening of the short documentary “Olga Ladyzhenskaya” (2022) by acclaimed filmmaker Ekaterina Eremenko.
Everyone was welcome, particularly high school and university students of all genders.
What do a space station, a falling cat, and a springboard diver have in common? They are able to reorient themselves while in free fall.
In this talk by University of Sydney mathematician Professor Holger Dullin, he explored the principles behind this phenomenon.
SMRI hosted two talks at the University of Sydney on Saturday 26 August for primary and high school students and teachers. The talks were presented by mathematician Quan Lam from the Berkeley Math Circle.
SMRI hosted two after-school workshops for high school students at the University of Sydney on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 March to celebrate the International Day of Mathematics (aka “Pi Day”).
Geometry was born from practical needs in ancient civilisations. Over the years, geometry has pushed boundaries of abstract and philosophical thought, facilitated scientific discoveries, and left an imprint in the finest art pieces.
Mathematician Milena Radnovic gave a public lecture on 14 March 2024 to celebrate the International Day of Mathematics, aka Pi Day 3.14.
To celebrate International Women in Mathematics Day, SMRI hosted a fun event with trivia, animated shorts and a ‘Spotlight on Women in Maths at The University of Sydney’.
Mathematics professor, social entrepreneur, inventor and SMRI guest, Professor Po-Shen Loh, presented four public events during his visit in Sydney, including a public lecture, two seminars and a high school workshop. May 2024
“Why are we learning this?” — the dreaded question, often received by mathematics educators, is addressed in this public lecture by Professor Po-Shen Loh of Carnegie Mellon University. In this much anticipated talk, Prof Loh will share his story of using his maths-professor background to devise new solutions to practical problems that affect our whole society.
The talk will be moderated by Professor Francis Su of Harvey Mudd College, current visitor at the Sydney Mathematical Research Institute
