Davey Fitch Lecture 2026

Event details:

There will be a series of talks delivered by PhD students and Postdoctoral Innovation Experts from the Maxwell Institute discussing industry and internships between 2pm and 3pm. The Fitch lecture will be given by Dr Heather Tewkesbury at 3pm. A reception will follow.

Fitch Lecture Abstract:

'Why Mathematics Matters - from chocolate to nuclear reactors, our economy, environment and society needs mathematics, and mathematics needs everyone to contribute.'

Biography:

Dr Heather Tewkesbury is President of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), as well as Chief of Strategic Relationships at the Smith Institute for Industrial Mathematics and System Engineering, an independent company that helps public and private sector organisations apply a mathematical approach to improve their products, processes, services and strategy. She also served on the Executive Board of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences, focusing on Business, Industry, and Government engagement and was a Trustee of the OR Society until January last year.

Heather's PhD, from the University of Birmingham, is in chemical engineering and mathematics, with a focus on modelling heat transfer in chocolate manufacture. Before joining the Smith Institute she worked as Modelling Development Manager for Cadbury Trebor Bassett. She is particularly known for creating a culture of positive engagement in technical teams, recently recognised by the DataIQ awards with Smith Institute being shortlisted as one of the best places to work in data.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher School of Mathematics