Undergraduate Research Seminar

What is the Undergraduate Research Seminar?

The Undergraduate Research Seminar is a series of sessions exploring fun maths topics not covered in the lectures. These sessions are often led by PhD students, and we make sure to introduce every topic in an accessible manner. There are no prerequisites! All undergraduates and postgraduates students in the School of Mathematical Sciences - single honours and joint degrees - are welcome to join. 

We also lead sessions where students can ask PhD students and alumni any questions they may have about research, applying for a Master's degree or a PhD program, including what kind of careers a PhD can lead to. All sessions are run in a relaxed environment where we always encourage discussions and provide snacks.

When and where does the Undergraduate Research Seminar take place?

Sessions take place during term time Wednesdays at 3pm in MB204 and on Zoom. The sessions and topics to be covered are updated below. This webpage will also be updated periodically with new events, so please check back regularly.

The research seminars are organised in collaboration with the QMUL Piscopia committee by the following PhD students from the School of Mathematical Sciences: Samuel Brevitt, Adam Onus, Cat Rust and Cameron Michie. If you have suggestions for future topics and/or want to learn more, please email Adam or Cat.

Future Events (2024/25)

Past Events (2024/25)

2nd April 2025, 2pm, MB-204

The biophysical principles underlying computation in neural substrates by Iran Roman

Abstract: This presentation offers an overview of NeuroAI’s development, starting with seminal biophysical models such as the Hodgkin-Huxley equations, which elucidate the ionic mechanisms underlying neuronal action potentials. We then discuss the Wilson-Cowan model, capturing the interactions between excitatory and inhibitory neuronal populations. Advancements in the 2010s used recurrent neural networks to paralleling complex computations observed in both macaque and RNNs. We then discuss dynamical systems approaches, emphasizing their efficacy in modeling the temporal evolution of human brain activity, including unsupervised Hebbian Learning. Finally, we explore bifurcation theory’s role in identifying critical parameters that govern perception-action coupling within neural substrates, illustrating how minor variations can lead to significant shifts in neural computation.

Relevant papers:

Mante, Valerio, et al. "Context-dependent computation by recurrent dynamics in prefrontal cortex." nature 503.7474 (2013): 78-84.

Zemlianova, Klavdia, Amitabha Bose, and John Rinzel. "Dynamical mechanisms of how an RNN keeps a beat, uncovered with a low-dimensional reduced model." Scientific Reports 14.1 (2024): 26388.

Roman, Iran R., et al. "Hebbian learning with elasticity explains how the spontaneous motor tempo affects music performance synchronization." PLOS Computational Biology 19.6 (2023): e1011154.

Driscoll, Laura N., Krishna Shenoy, and David Sussillo. "Flexible multitask computation in recurrent networks utilizes shared dynamical motifs." Nature Neuroscience 27.7 (2024): 1349-1363.

5th February 2025, 3pm, MB-204

Bayesian Analysis by Kabiru Abubakari

Abstract: The development of Markov Chains Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms and software paved the way for Bayesian analysis or inference on complex data. Also, the production of fast and affordable computers makes Bayesian analysis more accessible to a wide audience.  MCMC methods provide numerical solutions to instances where it is difficult (or impossible) to obtain analytical solutions to Bayes' theorem.

In this talk, I will discuss Bayes' theorem and show how it can be used to answer questions about statistical inference. I will present some analytical and numerical solutions to circumvent the intractability often encountered in applying Bayes' theorem. 

Records of plant data available on online portals such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON), The Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI), etc. is collected through the citizen science program, where individuals voluntarily supply information about the observed presence of plant species at certain locations. Therefore, the data is not collected with statistical modelling intention hence susceptible to biases posing challenges in constructing species distribution models. 

29nd January 2025, 3pm, MB-204

An *actual* Introduction to Differential Geometry by Jordan Marajh

Abstract: In this talk, we will explore some familiar notions of coordinates and inner products on n-dimensional Euclidean space Rⁿ and how we can transport these ideas to more complicated geometric objects. We will define what a manifold is, investigate some of the structures we obtain on them and how they relate to Rⁿ, and take a leap of faith into understanding some intrinsic notions of curvature. If time permits, we will look at some differential geometry in action and how it obstructs certain calculations in mathematical relativity, and more importantly, one of many ways it can be overcome.

22nd January 2025, 3pm, MB-204

Calculus in Infinite Dimensions by Arick Shao

Abstract: Early on in calculus, one studies its fundamental concepts, e.g. differentiation, on the real line and on finite-dimensional spaces. In this talk, we discuss "calculus of variations", which roughly extends the idea of differentiation to "infinite-dimensional" settings. Though this may seem strange at first glance, these ideas have been instrumental in solving many problems in physics, engineering, and even within mathematics. Here, we will highlight a few famous ones, e.g.:

• Shortest curve: Using calculus of variations, one can derive that the shortest curve between any two points is indeed a straight line segment.
• Brachistochrone problem: Suppose you want to roll a ball down a ramp, from a higher point A to a lower point B. What should the shape of your ramp be so that the ball rolls from A to B in the least possible time?
• Dido's problem: Suppose you are given enough material to build a fence, with total perimeter L, to enclose some area of land. What shape should your fence be to enclose the maximum possible area of land?

11th December 2024, 3pm, MB-203

Historical contributions of women to mathematics by Claudia Garetto

Abstract: In this talk I will discuss different contributions of women mathematicians and how these figures inspired my current research.

4th December 2024, 3pm, MB-203

A Crash Course on LaTeX led by Cat Rust and Adam Onus

Abstract: LaTeX is a typesetting system which is commonly used in maths, computer science and physics, offering better formatting of equations, easier referencing and a more polished finish compared to written works in Word and other programs. In fact, most of your assessment pieces have probably been written in LaTeX! In this session we will be running a crash course for how to use LaTeX. This is a useful to include in (and even create) your CV, and should be of particular interest to those who intend to do a research project and/or a further degree in STEM.

27th November 2024, 3pm, MB-203

What the Heck is a Matroid?! by Justin Ward

Abstract: In the early twentieth century, mathematicians observed similarities between abstract notions of independence in linear algebra and graph theory. This led to the formulation of a class of mathematical objects called “matroids.” Matroids have since found wide-ranging applications and connections to several mathematical fields, including linear algebra, abstract algebra, geometry, topology, computer science, and operational research. In this talk, I will provide foundational definitions, and examples of matroids, then highlight surprising connections between matroids and the design and analysis of algorithms.

20th November 2024, 3pm, MB-203

Tiles, from Wang to Einstein's hat, via the Seljuks by Reem Yassawi

Abstract: Tilings are all around us, from the tiles on our kitchen floor to the cladding of the Maths Building at QMUL. In this talk I will tell you a little about Wang tiles, introduced in the 1960s, and questions around them. They led to a search for tiles that could cover the plane in a non-periodic way. This area of research came to be known as “Aperiodic Order”, and it attracted both amateur and professional mathematicians alike. It was also serendipitous that its main objects were mathematical models of quasicrystals, discovered in the 80s; this gave the field a physical context. I’ll tell you a little about this area of mathematics, its celebrated tiles,  and how the notion of aperiodicity may be over 500 years old after all.

13th November 2024, 3pm, MB-203

Anomalous diffusion by Norberto Lucero-Azuara

Abstract: Random movement of particles is a fundamental process in physics. Initially described by Robert Brown observing random fluctuations in the position of small particles of pollen immersed in water. This movement received the name of Brownian motion and is characterized by normal diffusion, which is a Linear behaviour of the Mean Square Displacement (MSD). In this talk, we will delve into anomalous diffusion, a concept that disrupts the linear relationship between MSD and time. We will explore its two primary categories: subdiffusion and superdiffusion. Furthermore, I will present some of the most studied anomalous diffusion processes, namely fractional Brownian motion and Levy walks.

6th November 2024, 2pm, MB-204

PhD Your Way watch party

Abstract: PhD Your Way is an annual, online event aimed at people from underrepresented groups in mathematics who want to understand the "Whats, Whys and the Hows" of applying for a mathematics PhD. The event will start from the basics - so no prior knowledge required. The event will feature informative talks alongside the opportunity to speak with current maths PhD students based at a variety of universities in the UK. As this session falls during week 7, in lieu of a research talk we will be streaming the event for anyone who wishes to attend and find out more about PhD's in maths.

30th October 2024, 3pm, MB-203

Meeting at Infinity: An Introduction to Projective Geometry by Cat Rust

Abstract: On the infinite plane, parallel lines appear to meet at a mysterious point far away on the horizon, a point we could never reach. Projective space is constructed to include it and (thus) allow us to solve equations we previously couldn't. We will see how such a space is constructed, use it to find where parallel lines meet, and finally discuss a couple of real-world applications.

23rd October 2024, 3pm, MB-203

Math for Real life problems and Decision Making by Zahra Bouzeria

Abstract: Who said math Can't be used outside Academia? It's not only useful for daily calculating, it can revolutionize the quality of your daily life! In this talk, I will be introducing you to a small part of the wonderful World of Applied Mathematics. Where we will discover how could math help us solve Real life problems, and Make right Decision in most complicated situations, while optimizing our Time, Energy and obviously our money...

16th October 2024, 3pm, MB-203

What does a research paper look like? led by Adam Onus and other PhD's and staff in attendance

Abstract: Ever wanted to know what's involved in maths research? The first, and at times hardest step is to read through research papers, so in this session we will be giving a crash course on what a research paper looks like. We will cover where to find research papers, what to look for in a research paper, and give some tips on how to go about reading them. This will be of particular interest to anyone planning to do a third year project or a dissertation for an MSc or MSci.

You can find a summary of the content covered in this session in this Word document How to read a paper [DOC 16KB].

9th October 2024, 3pm, MB-203

Beyond the Basics of Probability: Practical Applications in Finance by Ivelina Mladenova

Abstract: This talk explores the role of probability in financial modeling, from foundational discrete-time models to advanced continuous-time frameworks. We begin by constructing the binomial and trinomial models, which serve as building blocks for understanding asset price dynamics and option pricing. Options allow investors to hedge against future market movements, and their accurate pricing is essential for ensuring fair trades and reducing financial risk. From there, we extend these ideas to the continuous-time Black–Scholes–Merton model, published in 1973 in an article titled "The Pricing of Options and Corporate Liabilities", the foundation of modern option pricing theory. Through Python simulations, we will illustrate the transition from discrete to continuous models, providing practical insights into their real-world applications in financial markets. This talk will emphasize the mathematical intuition behind each model and demonstrate how probability theory provides the framework for understanding and managing risk.

2nd October 2024, 1pm, MB-203

All or Nothing or How to Play Billiards as a Mathematician by Oscar Bandtlow

Abstract: Billiards are a class of dynamical systems given by a point particle moving inside a planar domain with elastic collisions at the boundary of the domain. In this talk, aimed at a general undergraduate audience, I will provide an overview of the case where the domain is a polygon, which, in spite of the fact that it has been studied in considerable detail for a long time, is still not completely understood. In particular, I will report on recent work with Katerina Zahradova, Julia Slipantschuk and Wolfram Just which settles a long-standing open problem in this area.

Past Events (2023/24)

27th March 2024, 3pm, MB-204

TBC by Dr Matthew Lewis

Abstract: TBC

20th March 2024, 3pm, MB-204

Congruent numbers and a Millennium Prize Problem by James Kiln

Abstract: A congruent number is a rational number which is the area of some right-angled triangle with three rational side lengths. Tabulations of such numbers (which included 5 and 6) have been found in Arab manuscripts from the 10th century but the problem as to exactly which rational numbers are congruent still remains open. Only in the 13th century did Fibonacci discover that 7 is congruent, and it took until 1640 for Fermat to give the first accepted proof that 1 is not congruent. In this talk, I will outline how to relate the congruent number problem to objects known as elliptic curves, and mention a theorem of Tunnell which, conditional on the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture, completely resolves the congruent number problem.

13th March 2024, 3pm, MB-204

An informal introduction to fractals by Adam Onus

Abstract: Let’s play the chaos game: start with a triangle and a random point in the plane, randomly pick a corner of the triangle, take the midpoint of the corner and your starting point, and repeat with this new point. The points you get will at first appear to have no pattern, but if you play for long enough then you will see some beautiful structure emerge. The chaos game is an example of an iterated function system (IFS), and in this talk I will summarise the maths behind how we can use IFS’s to generate a myriad of beautiful fractal shapes.

28th February 2024, 3pm, MB-204

A History of Online Problems by David Hannon

Abstract: I will give a basic overview on the history of online problems. I will cover the initial formations of the secretary problem and show who solved it. Along with this I will show some of the variant problems such as prophet inequalities, pandoras box and online matching problems, and some general method people have used to solve them. This talk will be pretty informal and will just present a rough overview of the field.

21st February 2024, 3pm, MB-204

Differential Calculus over Finite Sets by Julio Narciso Argota Quiroz

Abstract: Usually, differential calculus is applied over continuous spaces. It is an unnecessary restriction. A generalized definition of differential calculus is provided, that allows the definition of a first-order differential calculus over a finite set, which will produce a directed graph where the elements of the finite set are the vertices of such graph and the partial derivatives are related to the edges of the graph. Finally, we present a noncommutative Riemannian geometry constructed using the generalized differential calculus and some examples.

14th February 2024, 3pm, MB-204

The importance of Bayesian statistics by María Fernanda Pintado Serrano

Abstract: Our first encounter with statistics often comes from a frequentist viewpoint, with Bayes’ theorem representing our initial contact with Bayesian statistics. However, as we increasingly face problems that require complex modelling, Bayesian methods have been gaining popularity. In this talk, I will provide an introductory exploration of Bayesian statistics, and how it was used to solve the mysterious case of an airplane that went missing for two years.

7th February 2024, 3pm, MB-204

Sets and Infinities by Luka Ilic

Abstract: As mathematicians, we have the ability to talk about the nature of the word "infinity", and what its implications are on mathematics as a science. The journey towards the understanding of some aspects of infinity will take us through the disciplines of logic and set theory. Finally, we will discuss a few meanings of the word "infinite" and show that they are the same under the axiom of choice. We will show a few more results about infinite sets, and show that some others can never be proven, and consider what that means.

31st January 2024, 3pm, MB-204

Inverse problems in medical imaging by Alexandra Valavanis

Abstract: This talk will provide an introduction to inverse problems, focusing on what characterizes an inverse problem as ill-posed and how we can solve these with methods such as variational regularisation. We will explore how such ill posed inverse problems play a role in medical imaging, with specific emphasis on MRI. Specifically, we will discuss a proposed method to expedite the MRI data acquisition process which would reduce patient scanning time, thereby contributing to shorter patient waiting lists. The content of this talk includes topics typically covered in both mathematics and computer science degrees however, it is structured to be accessible to listeners who only have minimal background in either of those fields. Certainly, no medical knowledge is required. This presentation aims to connect theoretical concepts and their practical applications in medical imaging.

13th December 2023, 3pm, MB-204

What on earth is topological data analysis? by Adam Onus

Abstract: Topological data analysis (TDA) is a relatively new field of mathematics which uses tools from (algebraic) topology and geometry to perform a shape analysis of real-world data - think about morphing a coffee cup into a doughnut and applying this notion to a discrete set of points. In the first part of this talk, we will introduce pure mathematical tools used in TDA such as simplicial complexes and persistence diagrams. In the second part of this talk, we will see examples of how TDA has been applied in areas such neuroscience, ecology, LCD appliances, phylogenetics and crystallography. In the worst case scenario, we will just look at pretty pictures ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

29th November 2023, 3pm, MB-204

Central Limit Theorem and its analogue for Random Matrix Theory by Svetlana Malysheva

Abstract: I will discuss the proof of Central Limit Theorem using the moment method, show the combinatorial method of the proof of semi-circle law and outline how the semi-circle law becomes the analogue of Central Limit Theorem for independent Wigner random matrices.

22nd November 2023, 3pm, MB-204

Game theory and mechanism design by David Hannon

Abstract: In this talk, I will gently introduce game theory and it's connection to the study of economic behaviour, after I will introduce mechanism design and discuss some of the relative developments in the field.

15th November 2023, 3pm, MB-204

An introduction to Fourier analysis by Sebastian del Bano Rollin

Abstract: We will introduce the notion of Fourier Series and discuss applications in physics, sound and image compression, pure maths and finance.

1st November 2023, 3pm, MB-204

Q&A panel session with Luka Ilic, María Fernanda Pintado Serrano, and Samuel Brevitt

25th October 2023, 3pm, MB-204

The hidden secrets of 1/x by Jordan Marajh

Abstract: The simple reciprocal function has many properties which are known but are not presented in an intuitive manner. In this talk we consider how one can derive the natural logarithm and e (Euler's constant) from 1/x by looking at area transformations. One can extend the knowledge of the trigonometric functions sine and cosine defined on the unit circle to derive the hyperbolic functions hidden in the geometry of 1/x. This talk requires a basic understanding of concepts encountered in calculus.

18th October 2023, 3pm, MB-204

Logic Riddles by Mehmet Sahin

Abstract: In my session I want to go through a selection of puzzles that I found interesting with everyone in the seminar. As I am familiar with solutions, I want to help everyone make their way to a solution.

Most of these will be logic puzzles; requiring out of the box thinking, different ways to approach problems and creative solutions. Additionally, I have some probability puzzles that exploit the fact that probability can be misleading. Lastly, some puzzles that have very cool gimmicks.

11th October 2023, 3pm, MB-204

Chaos and Fractals in Complex Systems by Dr Rainer Klages

Abstract: What are complex systems? What is chaos? And what are fractals? My talk will introduce these fundamental concepts of modern science by showing how they can be understood mathematically. An important part of my presentation will be mathematical modelling, which combines physics with mathematics. By means of a simple example, related to my own research, I will demonstrate how chaos in complex systems can generate fractal structures.

Past Events (2022/23)

5th April 2023, 1pm

An Introduction to Matroids and Tropical Goemetry by Nicholas Anderson (Maths Building, Room MB 203)

Abstract: Every mathematician will encounter either matrices or polynomials over the course of their undergraduate studies. In addition to being a convenient way to perform computations and organize information, matrices encode the idea of linear systems and their properties, which are vital in much of mathematics. On the other hand, polynomials are the foundation of much of the study of abstract algebra and geometry and appear frequently in other fields of mathematics too. In this seminar we will explore a somewhat exotic departure from these familiar concepts through matroids and tropical geometry. Matroids were introduced as a generalization of linear spaces which are often found lurking deep in the background of more familiar disciplines. In a seemingly completely different direction we find tropical geometry, which is a relatively new field of mathematics that transforms the classical relationship between polynomials and their geometry into questions about collections of polyhedra— shapes with flat sides such as squares and triangles. In this talk we will see that there is a surprising and very deep connection between matroids and tropical geometry that is at the forefront of their study. 

29th March 2023, 1pm

All or Nothing or How to Play Billiards as a Mathematician by Oscar Bandtlow (Maths Building, Room MB 203)

Abstract: Billiards are a class of dynamical systems given by a point particle moving inside a planar domain with elastic collisions at the boundary of the domain. In this talk, aimed at a general undergraduate audience, I will provide an overview of the case where the domain is a polygon, which, in spite of the fact that it has been studied in considerable detail for a long time, is still not completely understood. In particular, I will report on recent work with Katerina Zahradova, Julia Slipantschuk and Wolfram Just which settles a long-standing open problem in this area.

22nd March 2023, 1pm

The Mathematics of Algorithm Design by Theophile Thiery (Maths Building, Room MB 203)

The talk will be light and no prerequisites are needed.

1st March 2023, 1pm

How Can We Understand Cancer Prognosis and Improve Therapies Using Maths? by Elisa Scanu (Maths Building, Room MB 203)

Abstract: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in applying mathematical and computational techniques to real world situations. For example, Maths is largely used in the field of oncology. Mathematical models have the potential to aid in predicting the progression of tumours and developing new therapeutic strategies. In this talk, we will explore a mathematical and numerical model used to understand the evolution and progression of a genetic mutation, called extra-chromosomal DNA, including probabilistic and analytical techniques. Additionally, we will touch on some of the challenges that arise when applying mathematical models to cancer research, such as data limitations and model complexity. By combining mathematical and computational methods with experimental data, we hope to gain a better understanding of cancer progression and ultimately develop more effective treatments for patients.

22nd February 2023, 1pm

What Does a Mathematician Look Like? by Adam Onus (Maths Building, Room MB-203)

Abstract: Most people have the vision of a mathematician being an antisocial tormented genius who is typically an old white man with greying hair - The Imitation Game, X+Y & Good Will Hunting come to mind as examples of this trope. In fact, mathematicians, and what they study, come in all shapes and sizes, have all sorts of side interests, and are usually normal humans like you and me! Over the past Summer, I was a part of a group of PhD students who researched and wrote biographies of mathematicians from underrepresented groups (which hopefully you have seen examples of in your modules this year....), and in this talk I will talk about some of those people, who they are/were, and the sort of maths they do/did.

15th February 2023, 1pm

Logic and Incompleteness Theorems by Luka Ilic (Maths Building, Room MB-203)

What does it mean for something to be true and what does it mean to prove it? These are very important philosophical questions and in the world of mathematics they have clear answers. But with these answers come new questions like "can we prove everything that is true?" The incompleteness theorems by Gödel show that the answer to this question is "no". Whenever we do mathematics in a sensible way, we will never be able to prove everything that is true. In particular, our mathematics can never show that our mathematics is done the right way. I will discuss what all this means, how it is stated and proven and what the implications for all of mathematics are.  All this will be done in a way that does not require any previous knowledge of the topics, but quite some imagination.

8th February 2023, 1pm

Ricci Flow, the Poincare Conjecture, and Data Science by Louis Yudowitz (Maths Building, Room MB-203)

Starting in the late 1900's, many seemingly impossible or hard problems in geometry have been solved using partial differential equations. Arguably the most famous case is Perelman's use of Ricci flow to resolve the Poincare conjecture, which is the only Millennium problem solved so far. I will give an overview of what Ricci flow is and why it is a powerful tool to classify certain shapes and spaces.  Along the way I will introduce some basic information about differential geometry and PDEs, so no knowledge of either topic is expected. At the end of the session, we will also look at how Ricci flow can be applied to the real world!

7th December 2022, 1pm

What on Earth is Topological Data Analysis? by Adam Onus (Bancroft Building, Room 3.24)

Topological data analysis (TDA) is a relatively new field of mathematics which uses tools from (algebraic) topology and geometry to perform a shape analysis of real-world data - think about morphing a coffee cup into a doughnut and applying this notion to a discrete set of points. In the first part of this talk, we will introduce pure mathematical tools used in TDA such as simplicial complexes and persistence diagrams. In the second part of this talk, we will see examples of how TDA has been applied in areas such neuroscience, ecology, LCD appliances, phylogenetics and crystallography. In the worst case scenario, we will just look at pretty pictures ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

30th November 2022, 1pm

From PageRank to Biological Networks by Anthony Baptista (Bancroft Building, Room 3.24)

The PageRank algorithm is a famous way to define centrality measures in networks. Since it was developed at the end of the 90s by the founder of Google, this algorithm and its extension have become a standard way to explore networks thanks to random walks. Moreover, amounts of available data, variety, and heterogeneity have been increasing drastically for several years, offering a unique opportunity to better understand complex systems. In this context, various extensions have been developed for exploring the whole topology of large-scale complex networks. However, the exploration of large multidimensional datasets remains a major challenge in many scientific fields. We will first introduce the basic notion of graph theory and the basic knowledge about Pagerank and its extensions. We will conclude with a recent extension of the Personalised PageRank algorithm (a.k.a Random Walk with Restart) to explore very general kinds of networks in the context of biological networks.

23rd November 2022, 1pm

Neurohydrodynamics by Tom Foteinos (Bancroft Building, Room 3.24)

Neurohydrodynamics is a general term for the field of scientific enquiry associated with the fluid dynamics of the brain and spinal cord. This talk will have a particular focus on the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the perivascular space (PVS), an annular region which surrounds most arteries in the brain.

16th November 2022, 1pm

Abstract Maths and Thinking Outside the Box by Arick Shao (Bancroft Building, Room 3.24)

From the modules you have taken (or will be taking soon), you may have noticed that a lot of the mathematical material is quite general and abstract! This is especially true if you are more focused on the pure mathematical side. Thus, you may (and should!) be wondering why modern maths is so abstract, and what is the point of it all. 

In this talk, I will try to survey just a few answers to this question. I will take some simple, familiar concepts (e.g. limits, derivatives) and discuss some interesting ways to generalise and extend them. We will explore some of their applications, as well as how these can be used to build surprising connections among different areas of maths, or between maths and other fields.

2nd November 2022, 1pm

Q&A Session on Further Studies after Queen Mary (Bancroft Building, Room 3.24)

In this session we will help answer any questions or concerns you might have about applying and studying for a master’s or PhD after your time at Queen Mary. The panel will consist of the organisers and another PhD student (Zain Kapadia), who have each had a variety of experiences when applying and studying. We hope to see you there!

26th October 2022, 1pm

Order and Disorder by Robert Johnson (Bancroft Building, Room 3.24)

Do regular patterns exist even in the most disordered structures? This talk is about a branch of mathematics called Ramsay theory which deals with the existence of patterns in the most unlikely places.

One important facet of Ramsay theory concerns structures in graphs (or networks). The starting point is the following puzzle which you can think about before the talk: is it true that among any group of 6 people there are either 3 mutual friends or 3 mutual strangers?

Along the way we will see how graphs are popular objects of study for pure mathematicians as well as being important tools for understanding the world. We'll also get a glimpse of how graph theory has developed as a subject and some of the research going on in the Combinatorics group.

19th October 2022, 1pm

1=2 by Luka Ilic (Bancroft Building, Room 3.24)

Wouldn't it be nice if mathematics would allow for a way to take a ball and duplicate it? Starting with one and ending up with two of the exact same thing, like cheating master balls in Pokémon back in the day.

Or would this be awful, because 1=2 and our whole world would collapse?

I will discuss the way mathematics allows us to duplicate our balls and the implications and precise statement of this. Keep an open mind, because serious mathematicians started long lasting mud-fights about this very topic 94 years ago and the splatters last until today.

12th October 2022, 1pm

Hardly simple by Tim Davis (Bancroft Building, Room 3.24)

In our first session, we’ll look at some problems in maths that may seem easy at first but are more subtle than they look and don’t often have any solutions!