About this event
Alumni lecture: Kit Yates on how to expect the unexpected
Join us at the University of Bath for an exclusive alumni lecture from Professor Kit Yates. In this lecture Kit explains how maths helps us to make better predictions in real-life situations.
Ever since the dawn of human civilisation, we have been trying to make predictions about what's in store for us. We do this on a personal level, so that we can get on with our lives efficiently (should I hang my laundry out to dry, or will it rain?). But we also have to predict on a much larger scale, often for the good of our broader society (how can we spot economic downturns or prevent terrorist attacks?).
For just as long, we have been getting it wrong. From religious oracles to weather forecasters, and from politicians to economists, we are subjected to poor predictions all the time. Our job is to separate the good from the bad. Unfortunately, the foibles of our biology – the biases that ultimately make us human – can let us down when it comes to making rational inferences about the world around us. And that can have disastrous consequences.
Bring your questions, as there will be time for the audience to engage in conversation with Professor Yates during the Q&A following the lecture.
Professor Kit Yates
Kit Yates is Professor of Mathematical Biology and Public Engagement in the Department of Mathematical Sciences and co-director of the Centre for Mathematical Biology at the University of Bath. He completed his PhD in Mathematics at the University of Oxford in 2011.
Alongside his academic position, Kit is also an author and science communicator. His first book, 'The Maths of Life and Death', was published in 2019 and has since been translated into 25 languages.
Kit’s research demonstrates that mathematics can be used to describe all sorts of real-world phenomena: from embryo formation to locust swarming and from sleeping sickness to eggshell patterning. He is particularly interested in the role that randomness plays in Biology. His research into Mathematical Biology has been covered by the BBC, the Guardian, the Telegraph, the Daily Mail, RTE, Scientific American and Reuters, among others.
Read Kit Yates' full biography
Agenda
6pm: Drinks reception (Pavilion in 10 East)
6.30pm: Start of lecture (Lecture Theatre)
7.30pm: Drinks reception (Pavilion in 10 East)
8.00pm: End of event
Registration
This event is for all University of Bath alumni. It is free to attend, but registration is essential. Please register by Wednesday 11 June.
Accessibility
The venue is fully accessible via lifts. A hearing loop is available in the lecture theatre. Please indicate your requirements in the registration process. For any specific accessibility questions, please contact our events team via the details below.