Our Events
Every year, the School of Mathematics organises and takes part in a wide range of outreach events, both in person and online. Through talks, workshops, exhibits and hands-on activities, we strive to share our passion for Mathematics with the community, beyond geographical boundaries. Find out more about the types of events we're involved in here.
Looking for a list of our upcoming events? See our homepage. If you'd like to keep up to date with upcoming maths events happening in and around Edinburgh then please sign up to our mailing list.
The Edinburgh Maths Circle is an opportunity for children aged 5 to 16 and their families to join us for an afternoon of fun and stimulating hands-on mathematics. For next year, we are planning to host both in person and online Maths Circles so that we are able to accommodate different needs. Find out more on the Maths Circle webpage.
Every spring, Scotland's capital is host to a fortnight of inspiring science and technology events at the Edinburgh International Science Festival. No matter what your age or science background is, you'll find something at the festival to keep you entertained. It might be a talk by a famous scientist, one of the many exhibitions hosted around the city, a guided walk, or an opportunity to get your hands dirty with some real experiments.
At the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street, members of the School of Mathematics' Outreach Team will join other scientists from the University to show off what it is that makes their subject great, with hands-on exhibits and enthusiastic student volunteers to guide people through the science.
Our activities in 2023
Our contribution to the Science Festival this year will include a wide range of activities, from a drop-in session to a guided walking tour to a Maths Comedy show.
Drop-in Session at the National Museum of Scotland: 3rd-7th April
Between the 3rd and the 7th April we will be at the National Museum of Scotland contributing to the University of Edinburgh Discover our Science program. Our activities will come under the title: "Maths: from experimenting to proving". Through bespoke hands-on props and engaging strategy games visitors will get an insight into the world of mathematics and the mind of a mathematician. They will grasp the whole process of experimenting, making a conjecture, testing their conjecture, and proving to be right.Together we will explore how this process underpins innovations in Science, Technology and Engineering. Students and staff from the School of Mathematics will be at hand to guide visitors, discuss their research, and ultimately reveal what being a mathematician really means. The session is free and no booking is required. Further information about location and timengs can be found at:
https://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/event-details/discover-our-science
Please note that the School of Mathematics will only oparticipate in the event during the first week (Tuesday 3rd to Friday 7th April).
The Mathematics Showdown: 3rd April
Five mathematicians – five ideas to change the world! We pulled five young mathematical researchers from the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University out of their comfort zone and set them up with local stand-up comedian Susan Morrison. Who can explain their research best? Who can turn complicated calculations into comedy gold? And most importantly: whose proof will change the world? You decide at the Edinburgh Mathematics Showdown! For further information and to book a ticket please visit:
https://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/event-details/the-mathematics-showdown
Discover Edinburgh's Mathematical History: 15th and 16th April
Join our students on a walk along the Royal Mile. Hear and see the mathematical delights hidden in Edinburgh's city centre. Along the way uncover some of the secret history of Edinburgh, discover some highlights of mathematics developed over the past two thousand years and try your hand at some intriguing puzzles and games. Booking for this event is required. For futher information and to book a space visit: https://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/event-details/discover-edinburghs-mathematical-history
Did you miss the Edinburgh International Science Festival? There are now nearly 20 science festivals running across Scotland, so there's bound to be one near you coming up.
Maths Week Scotland is a Scottish government initiative, aimed at showing the beauty and creativity of Mathematics all around the country. Each year we take part in this great initiative through different exciting activities, aimed at both children and adults. This year Maths Week will be celebrated in the period 26th September-2nd October. To find out about our program for Maths Week 2022, please visit our dedicated page.
In May 2017 The Mathematics Outreach Team contributed to the delivery of the very unique and successful exhibit "Brilliant Geometry". Fruit of a collaboration between the University of Edinburgh, Warwick University, and Oklahoma State University, this exhibit brought together elements of art, geometry, animation and and 3D-printing.
What has maths got to do with knitting or origami, creating pop up sculptures or baking? Please contact us if you want to find out. If we get enough demand, we may organise an ad hoc workshop. Whether you want to make a Möbius strip scarf, an origami hyperbolic plane or some nice pop up sculptures, we've got something for you.