New advances in number theory, searching for dark energy, and supporting the next generation of mathematicians... |
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Professor Jack Thorne wins 2022 New Horizons in Mathematics Prize |
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Professor Jack Thorne FRS from the Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics has been awarded a 2022 New Horizons in Mathematics Prize. The $100,000 (about £75,000) prize is awarded annually by the Breakthrough Prize Foundation to early-career researchers who have already produced important work, and recognises his transformative contributions to algebraic number theory.
Thorne has won the prize for an exciting advance in number theory, proving some fundamental facts about Ramanujan's functions. It is a step along the road to what is sometimes described as a grand unified theory of mathematics, establishing part of the conjectures known as the Langlands programme. We talked to Jack to discover more – including how he has shared his research with his Part III students too. |
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Unravelling the secrets of the Universe |
Are we close to detecting dark energy? |
Could an unexpected result from the XENON1T experiment have been caused by dark energy, rather than the dark matter it was designed to detect? Work by Professor Anne-Christine Davis and Dr Sunny Vagnozzi of DAMTP, together with their collaborators, suggests we might be closer to an important new lead in the search to understand our Universe. |
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Connecting extremes: Professor Sean Hartnoll |
Sean Hartnoll, who has just joined the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics as Professor of Mathematical Physics, is connecting extremes. His work explores an astonishing – and practical – link between the theory of black holes and the small-scale physics of materials that can be found back here on Earth. |
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Cambridge perspectives: mathematics and medicine |
In this conversation, recorded as part of the 2021 Cambridge Alumni Festival, Professor Carola-Bibiane Schönlieb and Professor Sir John Aston FRS discuss how the challenges of modern medicine have led them to work on all kinds of maths and statistics – much of which has applications in some very different places. |
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Professor Michael Green awarded Royal Society's 2021 Royal Medal |
Professor Michael Green FRS, former Lucasian Professor of Mathematics, has been awarded the Royal Medal 2021 by the Royal Society, honouring his crucial and influential contributions to string theory. In this video from the University archive he discusses the history and major developments of string theory, the value of fundamental research, and his own enduring fascination with the field. |
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Mathematics for all – widening access to study and research |
Welcoming the first Philippa Fawcett interns |
This summer the very first participants in the Philippa Fawcett Internship Programme experienced life as a researcher in the Faculty. This new internship programme aims to encourage more women to progress to research careers, and is open to undergraduate and Masters students from the UK and around the world. |
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Supporting the next generation |
As part of a range of initiatives to encourage more students from BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) backgrounds to consider studying mathematics at university, Dr Nira Chamberlain, President of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, was joined by alumni at an event for the 2021 Cambridge Festival. |
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Royal Institution Christmas Lectures |
The Royal Institution's televised Christmas lectures are a landmark of science broadcasting, inspiring children and adults alike. This year, Professor Julia Gog OBE will support Professor Jonathan Van Tam as one of six guest lecturers who have played a leading role in working on the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 lectures will be screened on BBC Four between Christmas and New Year. |
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Our campaign for the University and Colleges of Cambridge is raising funds to attract the brightest minds, create the finest facilities and give the freedom to create more world-changing ideas. To do this, we need your help. |
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