Can Mathematics Understand the Brain?' - Alain Goriely

Event date
Event time
17:15 - 18:15
Venue
Lecture Theatre L1
Mathematical Institute, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter
Woodstock Road
Oxford
OX2 6GG
Event cost
None
Target audience
Parents, Students, Teachers
Age range
Age 16-17 (year 12), Age 17-18 (year 13)
Booking
Required Book here

The human brain is the object of the ultimate intellectual egocentrism. It is also a source of endless scientific problems and an organ of such complexity that it is not clear that a mathematical approach is even possible, despite many attempts.

In this talk Alain Goriely will use the brain to showcase how applied mathematics thrives on such challenges. Through mathematical modelling, we will see how we can gain insight into how the brain acquires its convoluted shape and what happens during trauma. We will also consider the dramatic but fascinating progression of neuro-degenerative diseases, and, eventually, hope to learn a bit about who we are before it is too late.

Alain Goriely is Professor of Mathematical Modelling, University of Oxford and author of 'Applied Mathematics: A Very Short Introduction.'

Please email [email protected]to register