Talks and shows

Navigating the world with maths

Mathematical models are one of the cornerstones of our society. But what happens when they're wrong?

Dana Ward via Unsplash

Mathematical models have shaped our world and continue to be at the centre of everything we do. They became headline news as we tackled the COVID-19 pandemic, and are helping us to regulate an increasingly volatile economy and navigate the uncertainties of climate change.

In this talk, policy and models expert Erica Thompson explains the validity of the models we use: what they are, how they work, and the disastrous consequences when the makers and interpreters of models get things wrong.

Discover how our current modelling system is inherently biased towards a particular view of the world, distorting our thinking. Explore the need to better understand mathematical models and be aware of how the assumptions that underlie them, can have significant unintended consequences.

Copies of Erica's latest book 'Escape from Model Land: How Mathematical Models Can Lead Us Astray and What We Can Do About It' will be available to purchase after the event.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

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

About Erica Thompson

A picture of a woman with short brown hair is holding up a book that says 'Escape from model land'.
Erica Thompson

Erica Thompson is a senior policy fellow at the London School of Economics Data Science Institute, a fellow of the London Mathematical Laboratory and an honorary senior research fellow at UCL's Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy. With a PhD from Imperial College, Erica works on the use of mathematical modelling to support real-world decisions, specifically on the ethics of modelling and simulation. She has recently worked on the limitations of models of COVID-19 spread, humanitarian crises, and climate change. Erica's previous work includes the UK Department of for Energy and Climate Change's Global Calculator project, where she provided the climate science information. Erica lives in West Wales, and is reducing her own ecological footprint to a "One Planet" level by not travelling to conferences and finding other ways to reach people.

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.

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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

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