During 2020 and 2021 we heard a lot about ‘case number predictions’, ‘flattening the curve’ and ‘keeping the R value below 1’. Thanks to a fascinating talk by James Allen from Portsmouth University (21 March), our Maths students got to grips with the mathematical modelling that supports such phrases, learning more about how these predictions are made.

Head of Maths Simon King explained, “This engaging and topical session demonstrated how critical mathematical modelling is in a wide variety of disciplines and just how broad the research can be.

“Our students got the chance to build a disease model from its simplest form before discussing as a group how to increase its complexity to mirror a real-world situation. Thanks to James for giving his time and sharing one of the many skills that a career in Maths can utilise.”