2nd Annual Charlotte Scott Lecture in Mathematics by Prof. Caroline Series FRS

Prof. C. Series FRS

On 7 February the 2nd Annual Charlotte Scott Lecture in Mathematics was given in Isaac Newton building of University of Lincoln by Professor Caroline Series FRS, President of the London Mathematical Society. This public lecture is a part of celebrations of the 160th anniversary of Charlotte Scott (1858–1931), the famous mathematician born in Lincoln, who was also influential in developing mathematical education of women and their participation in mathematical research. The lecture “Indra’s Pearls: A mathematical adventure” was based on the book of the same title by David Mumford, Caroline Series and David Wright. It described the authors’ computer explorations of some simple but repeated operations on complex numbers, whose interactions produce delicate and beautiful fractals. Numerous pictures and animations explained the geometry and algorithms which generate the images, behind which lie a wealth of mathematical meaning and questions for further research. The lecture attracted a big audience consisting of staff, students and members of the public, both from Lincoln and other cities and was a great success.

As part of her visit to Lincoln, Prof. C. Series inaugurated the Charlotte Scott Research Centre for Algebra based at the Lincoln School of Mathematics and Physics, and unveiled a commemorative plaque.

Another pre-lecture event was the awards ceremony for the winners of the Lincoln Maths Challenge-2017-18.

The official ceremonies and the lecture were attended by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Professor Andrew Hunter, Head of College of Science Professor Libby John, Mayor of Lincoln Chris Burke and Sheriff of Lincoln Jo Rimmer.

The proceedings were started by Head of School of Mathematics and Physics Professor Andrei Zvelindovsky. The mayor of Lincoln Chris Burke in a short speech emphasized the importance of University of Lincoln for the city. Professor Andrew Hunter introduced the lecturer Professor Caroline Series FRS, a prominent mathematician who became President of the London Mathematical Society in 2017. Professor Evgeny Khukhro announced the winners of the Lincoln Mathematics Challenge-2017-18 and Professor Libby John presented the trophies to 3rd place winner Kacper Madejek (Abbots Bromley School) and to joint 1st place winners Thomas Malloch (King Edward VI Grammar School, Louth) and Will Yun-Farmbrough (Eton College, Windsor). The audience gave generous rounds of applause to the talented young mathematicians, whose moment of glory was shared with their parents. After unveiling a commemorative plaque for inauguration of the Charlotte Scott Research Centre for Algebra, Prof. C. Series proceeded with her fascinating lecture to the delight of the audience.