Public lecture: My career in five equations, and the importance of mathematics education in the digital age

• Professor Stephen Garrett to discuss why the UK needs to up its game in maths education

• He has a particular interest in the development of mathematical and computational solutions to real-world problems

• Lecture will take place on Thursday 27 April at Aston University.

The latest inaugural lecture at Aston University is to explore why the UK’s low level of mathematical skills don’t add up to a positive digital future.

Professor Stephen Garrett will discuss why school-level mathematics is so important in many areas of life and will discuss how the UK needs to up its game in maths education at all ages for the modern digital world.

Currently just half of all 16–19-year-olds study maths. Earlier this year the Prime Minister proposed that all students in England will study some form of maths to 18 to ensure that they leave school better equipped for the jobs of the future.

Professor Garrett joined Aston University in spring 2022 as Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

Stephen said: “I’m concerned that too many people are being held back by poor maths – not just at work but in their personal lives too.

“Improving maths skills at any age can bring confidence, open up more career options and benefit the local and national economy.”

The professor’s research interests are at the boundary of applied mathematics with other disciplines and he has a particular interest in the development of mathematical and computational solutions to real-world problems. He is primarily known as a fluid dynamicist.

As an academic leader, Stephen is particularly keen to develop synergies between teaching and research activities and believes the two should always be closely intertwined within the HE sector.

His talk, My career in five equations, and the importance of mathematics education in the digital age will also explore the importance of some key areas of school mathematics in his research career.

He will start with traditional classroom maths topics such as Pythagoras and trigonometry, through familiar sounding concepts and will link them to a model for fluid flows relevant to the aerospace sector.

The free event will take place on the University campus at Conference Aston, on Thursday 27 April from 6 pm to 8 pm and will be followed by a drinks reception.

To sign up for a place visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-inaugural-lecture-by-professor-aniko-ekart-tickets-516518760517

There are more details about mathematics courses at Aston University at https://www.aston.ac.uk/courses/mathematics