Discourse: Mathematical tools to transform the world (Theatre)

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Both in person and online ticket holders will have access to the event recording.

Mathematics is a powerful tool to understand the world around us. It can model the physics, chemistry and biology of a wide variety of systems. But it can also be used to make predictions that can feed into technology, manufacturing and engineering across an array of fields.

In our first Discourse of 2026, mathematician and expert in computational modelling Becky Shipley explores how mathematics is inspiring new advances across engineering industries. Drawing on her experience in healthcare, she'll visit case studies showing how mathematical problem-solving is improving diagnosis, treatment and patient experience, alongside the newest applications of mathematics.

Discover how multidisciplinary engineering principles led to the rapid development of novel medical devices during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to an internationally recognised team led by Becky herself.

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Discourses are one of the Ri’s oldest and most prestigious series of talks. Since 1825, audiences in the theatre have witnessed countless mind-expanding moments, including the first public liquefaction of air by James Dewar, the announcement of the electron by JJ Thomson and over 100 lectures by Michael Faraday. In more recent times, we have had Nobel laureates, Fields medal winners, scientists, authors and artists – all from the cutting-edge of their field. Discourses are an opportunity for the best and brightest to share their work with the world.

Steeped in nearly two centuries of tradition, a Discourse is more than just a lecture. To keep the focus on the topic, presenters begin sharply at 7:30pm without introduction and we lock the speaker into a room ten minutes ahead of the start (legend has it that a speaker once tried to escape!). Some of our guests dress smartly for our Discourse events to add to this sense of occasion.

Discourses are free for Ri Members and Patrons - consider joining today.

Find out more about the history of Discourses on our blog.

The doors will open at approximately 6.45pm, and all ticket holders must take their seats by 7.20pm for a prompt start at 7.30pm. There will be a brief question/answer period after the talk.

Latecomers will be admitted to the gallery.

Event image by Unsplash Maxim Hopman

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