Friday 19th September 2008. Knots. A talk by Dr Stephen Huggett (Plymouth University). 7.30 p.m. in the Law Court Lecture Theatre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road Site.
Abstract: The mathematical theory of knots is a weird and wonderful world. It is easy to enter, but surprisingly difficult to answer some of its most obvious questions.
Tuesday 7th October 2008. Enigma, Bletchley Park & The Battle of the Atlantic. A talk by Dr. Mark Baldwin (M & M Baldwin, Booksellers & Publishers). 7.00 p.m. in the Queens Building, De Montfort University, Leicester. This is a joint meeting with BCS and IMechE.
Abstract: One of the Second World War’s most fascinating stories is that of the Enigma machine, a portable encryption device widely used by the Germans, which they believed to be totally secure. Nevertheless, by mathematical analysis and modern technology (and a certain amount of good luck), the Allies devised techniques for ‘breaking’ Enigma codes, and thus read hundreds of thousands of German messages, providing a wealth of reliable intelligence. Much of this work was carried out at Bletchley Park, today open to the public as a museum site, which explains and illustrates the history of the attack on Enigma, initiated by the Poles in the 1930s, later perfected by the British. The intelligence gained was of immense value to the Allies in virtually every theatre of war, but nowhere more so than in the Battle of the Atlantic, that fierce conflict which lasted nearly six years and cost over 60,000 lives. Dr Baldwin uses the Battle of the Atlantic to exemplify the importance of code breaking in winning the war.
Tuesday 11th November 2008. Mathematics and Sports Engineering. A talk and tour by Professor Roy Jones (Professor of Sports Technology, Loughborough University). 7.00 p.m. for 7.30 p.m. in the Wolfston School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University.
Abstract: Loughborough University Sports Technology Institute is home to the world’s largest university-based sports technology research group, partnering leading brands for over 20 years. As part of the Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, they study the engineering of a vast range of equipment, footwear and apparel in a wide range of sports under play and simulation conditions.
Wednesday 3rd December 2008. An Eulerian Journey. A talk by Emma McCoy (Imperial College London). 7.30 p.m. in Lecture Theatre 1, Ken Edwards Building, Leicester University.
Abstract: This talk covers problems associated with Latin Squares and Graph Theory, both of which have origins in the work of Leonhard Euler in the 18th Century. We look at a particular subset of Latin Squares, namely Sudoku puzzles and also the non-recreational use of Latin Squares in experimental design. The discussion of Graph Theory will start with the famous bridges of Königsberg problem. We end with a discussion of how a Sudoku puzzle can be reinterpreted as a graph theory problem.
Wednesday 21st January 2009. Observatories without Telescopes: The Horizon Observatory and Giant Sundial on the Halde Hoheward, Germany. A talk by Dr Daniel Brown (Nottingham Trent University) followed by a tour of the NTU observatory. 7.30 – 9.00 p.m. at The Nottingham Trent University Clifton Site, CELS building, Room 015. This meeting will comprise a short talk followed by group tours of the NTU telescope and of previous images from the telescope. Due to restricted access, number are limited to 30 persons.
Abstract: Ever since mankind gazed upon the skies above he tried to make sense of the motions of the Sun and the stars. Giant monuments such as Stonehenge were used to observe the skies, the horizon, and acquire astronomical knowledge. However, with the increasing urbanisation and industrialisation we lost touch with the skies above. They have become a never darkening blanket over our built up urban horizon. We take basic astronomical knowledge for granted and over-simplify it. One such example is the often quoted rule that the Sun always rises in the East and sets in the West. This is mostly wrong and only correct twice a year.
In this talk I will present a multi-million pound project funded by the EU and masterminded by the ‘Initiativkreis Horizontastronomy im Ruhrgebiet’ to build an astronomical theme park on a slag heap in one of the industrial centres of Germany. This park will allow the general public to experience the skies above and help them to engage with astronomy. One part of this park is the already completed 9m high giant sundial built following the giant sundial of Augustus in Rome. The centre piece of the park is the nearly completed horizon observatory consisting of two giant 90m diameter arcs representing the celestial equator and meridian as well as providing undisturbed views of the mathematical horizon. More information: see http://www.horizontastronomie.de/index.html
Wednesday 11th February 2009. Presidential Address: Effective Mathematics, Effective Mathematicians, by Professor David Abrahams (Manchester University). 7.30 p.m. in Room W003, Sir David Davies Building, Loughborough University.
Abstract: As is customary for such addresses, this presentation will be in two parts. The first offers a serendipitous, and hopefully widely accessible, overview of some of the mathematics and physics that the speaker finds interesting in the general area of wave dynamics. The second focuses briefly on the many issues affecting our community and on the effective role that mathematicians, and the IMA and other learned societies in particular, can play.
The purpose of the mathematical half of the talk is to indicate a number of recent developments in, and new ways of thinking about, the subject of wave propagation through complex (anisotropic and highly inhomogenous) materials. The essential objective is always to obtain effective wave equations which encapsulate the underlying complexity in just a few parameters. The talk meanders (and deviates significantly where necessary) to cover such topics as waves through bubbly liquids and emulsions, random and quasi-periodic structures, acoustic and electromagnetic cloaking, and the slowing of light.
As time allows, the second part will focus on the threats to, and aspirations for, our community. The former includes the low percentage of school mathematics teachers holding a first degree in mathematics and the recent closures of university mathematics departments. One example of the latter is the question of how the community can better influence and direct government policy in science.
Saturday 21st March 2009. Branch Dinner at Ashmore’s Restaurant, 1 Bingham Road, Radcliffe-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, NG12 2FY. Meet 7.00 p.m. in the restaurant for a meal starting 7:30 p.m.
Friday 24th April 2009. The Physics of Finance. A talk by Iain Clark. 7.00 p.m. in Lecture Theatre 3, Ken Edwards Building, Leicester University.
Thursday 14th May 2009. Motifs and Metaphors: the relationship between architecture and mathematics. A talk by Chris Stone (AFEC, University of Derby). 7.30 p.m. in the Tithe Barn, Repton School, Derbyshire. Participants are also invited to a short tour of the old School Buildings directed by the archivist; meet at the School Entrance Arch, 6.30 p.m.. The 2009 Branch AGM will be held during the evening starting at 7.15 p.m.
Thursday 25th June 2009. East and West Midlands Branches, Joint Branch Social Event at The Bull’s Head, The Nook, Cosby, Leicester. Meet by 6.30 p.m. in the bar for a directed walk and quiz, or 7.30 p.m. in the Skittle Alley.
