Award-winning broadcaster Hannah Fry joins Cambridge as Professor of the Public Understanding of Mathematics

**Abstract: Award-winning Broadcaster Hannah Fry Joins Cambridge as Professor of the Public Understanding of Mathematics** Award-winning broadcaster and mathematician Hannah Fry has been appointed as the new Professor of the Public Understanding of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, within the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP). Fry, known for her exceptional ability to communicate complex mathematical concepts to diverse audiences, will succeed notable figures like David Spiegelhalter and the late Stephen Hawking in this prestigious role. Fry's appointment is a testament to her extensive experience and achievements in promoting mathematics. She has won the Christopher Zeeman Medal in 2018 and the Royal Society David Attenborough Award in 2024. Currently, Fry holds the position of Professor of the Mathematics of Cities at University College London (UCL), where she collaborates with experts from various disciplines, including physics, mathematics, computer science, architecture, and geography, to study patterns in human behavior, particularly in urban settings. Her research has been applied to address a wide range of social issues, from urban crime and riots to transportation and health analysis, often in collaboration with governments, police forces, and health analysts. Fry emphasizes the importance of understanding the social implications of mathematical models. She believes that the effectiveness of a mathematical model is not solely determined by its accuracy or the elegance of its equations but also by how it is perceived and understood by the public. This perspective aligns with her commitment to public engagement, which she views as a moral duty for researchers whose work impacts the wider community. The new professorship at Cambridge builds on the university's strong tradition of sharing mathematical knowledge. DAMTP is home to the Millennium Mathematics Project (MMP), the largest subject-specific outreach and engagement initiative within the university. Fry plans to expand on the public communication work initiated by her predecessor, David Spiegelhalter, by fostering a community dedicated to excellence in mathematical communication. Her goal is to research and implement the most effective methods for communicating mathematical and data science concepts to the public, ensuring that the information is accessible and meaningful. Professor Colm-cille Caulfield, Head of DAMTP, praised Fry's appointment, highlighting her outstanding mathematical and research skills and her reputation as one of the UK's best maths communicators. He underscored the significance of mathematics in everyday life and how Fry's contributions will enhance Cambridge's ongoing efforts in this field. Similarly, Professor Nigel Peake, Head of the School of the Physical Sciences, commended Fry's deep commitment to sharing the excitement of mathematics with people of all ages and backgrounds, deeming her appointment a substantial benefit to both Cambridge and the UK. Fry's appointment was announced at an event organized by the MMP in collaboration with the Newton Gateway to Mathematics at the Isaac Newton Institute in Cambridge. The event, titled "Communicating Mathematical and Data Sciences – What Does Success Look Like?" aimed to explore the evidence for effectively communicating mathematical and data science research to policymakers, mainstream media, and the wider public. Her presence at this event underscores her dedication to advancing the field of mathematical communication and her readiness to take on her new role at Cambridge. In summary, Hannah Fry's appointment as Professor of the Public Understanding of Mathematics at Cambridge represents a significant step in the university's mission to enhance public engagement with mathematical and data science. Her interdisciplinary approach, practical applications, and commitment to clear and ethical communication promise to enrich both the academic and public spheres, contributing to a more mathematically literate society.