In this episode of our Voices of Mathematics podcast we talk to Carola-Bibiane Schönlieb, Professor of Applied Mathematics in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Physics (DAMTP).
Carola's ground-breaking research covers areas including image analysis, image processing and inverse imaging problems, alongside developing innovative techniques in AI and machine learning. Her work has applications across a huge range of areas, ranging from healthcare to forest conservation and cultural heritage, and its impact has been recognised with multiple awards.
In this episode, we sat down with Carola to talk about the power of inverse problems, different perspectives on AI, and the infectious inspiration of working with Cambridge's mathematical community.
This podcast is produced in collaboration with our Plus outreach platform (plus.maths.org), and hosted by Plus Editors Marianne Freiberger and Rachel Thomas. It was recorded at the International Congress of Mathematicians in July 2026, where Carola was an invited speaker.
Find out more about topics mentioned in this podcast:
- Discover more about some of the applications of Carola's research in our Faculty article Unlocking the potential of blood tests through AI.
- Watch Carola talking about her areas of research (in videos filmed by EXPeditions and the Leverhulme Trust), and discover more about the mathematics involved and the many applications of her work, in this collection of articles on our Plus outreach platform.
- Meet all three of the Cambridge speakers at the 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians in this article.
You can listen to the podcast using the player above, and you can listen and subscribe to our Voices of Mathematics podcast through Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify and through most other podcast providers via Podbean.
Photo of Professor Carola-Bibiane Schönlieb courtesy of EXPeditions and the Leverhulme Trust