"Finding A (Mathematical) Needle In a Haystack"

"Finding A (Mathematical) Needle In a Haystack"
with Oliver Johnson

Summary
Here's a puzzle. You've got 100 people to test for COVID but only 10 testing kits. What do you do?

This one is for the problem solvers, the lateral thinkers, and anyone who's ever refused to accept that a problem can't be cracked.

The answer was dreamt up by an economist called Robert Dorfman during the Second World War: mix the samples together, test the mixture, and use the result to work out who had the disease. It sounds like it shouldn't work. It does. And during the pandemic, health services around the world quietly used exactly this idea to test millions of people they otherwise couldn't have reached.

This talk unpacks how that works, why it's more elegant than it first appears, and how the exact same mathematical thinking is hiding inside your daily Wordle.

One for the curious. One for the competitive. One for everyone who lies awake thinking there has to be a better way. No maths degree required.

Bio
Oliver Johnson is Professor of Information Theory and Head of Mathematics at the University of Bristol. During the pandemic he provided commentary on COVID numbers on Twitter, Radio 4 and in the Spectator. His writings include the popular book Numbercrunch and his Substack Logging the World, and he was placed 21st on the 2021 Bristol Post Cool List


Venue:
Loko Club
Clock Tower Yd
Bristol
BS1 6QH


Event Running Time:
Doors 4pm
Introduction: 4:25pm
Lecture: 4:30pm
Q&A: 5:15pm
Mix & mingle with other attendees 5:25pm
Wrap up 5:45pm

Food:
If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts.

FAQ

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (about 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by audience Q&A. The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable

Can I attend without a ticket?

Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket.

Is there food available?

Yes, there is always the option to purchase food at our events.

Can I get my ticket refunded?

We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Is the event dog friendly?

Yes, Pints of Knowledge at Drygate is dog friendly. We request that dogs are on a leash and well behaved. If there's persistent disturbance you will be asked to leave.