Talks and shows

An exploration of maths and life

Eugenia Cheng is back at the Ri on how maths influences everyday life.

Possessed Photography via Unsplash

The world of mathematics is vast and connects with many aspects of our lives – and you don’t need a formal mathematical background to understand it.

Join mathematician and popular science author Eugenia Cheng as she sheds light on abstract mathematical ideas with examples of social justice, current events, and everyday life.

In this talk, discover how mathematics can be flexible, creative, and visual and how it’s impacting our lives.

Copies of Eugenia’s latest book, ‘The Joy of Abstraction: An Exploration of Math, Category Theory, and Life’ will be available to purchase after the talk.

Event type

This is a theatre and livestream event for an adult audience, where the speakers and audience in our Theatre are joined by our audience online. 

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Eugenia Cheng

a lady is looking at the camera

Dr Eugenia Cheng is a mathematician, educator, author, public speaker, columnist, concert pianist and artist. She is Scientist In Residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She won tenure in Pure Mathematics at the University of Sheffield, UK and is now Honorary Visiting Fellow at City, University of London. She has previously taught at the Universities of Cambridge, Chicago and Nice and holds a PhD in pure mathematics from the University of Cambridge. Alongside her research in Category Theory and undergraduate teaching her aim is to rid the world of “math phobia”.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions

The Royal Institution is part of the Amazon Affiliate Programme, and book links on this page may be affiliate links.

It won't cost you any extra, but as an Amazon Affiliate, the Ri will earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

All proceeds from our affiliate links help support the charitable work of the Ri.

Are you a patron of the Ri?

As a patron you are offered a number of complimentary tickets, please get in touch with your patron manager to discuss this.