The Talk I Always Wanted to Give But Never Did

Discover the Polymath Within: Join Our Inspiring Speaker Series!

In an era where scientific specialization is the norm, the broader virtues of "Homo Universalis" are often overlooked. To rekindle the spirit of academic global thinking and interdisciplinary excellence, we are excited to announce an exclusive speaker series featuring esteemed polymath academics from Cambridge, the UK, and beyond. Welcome to:

"The Talk I Always Wanted to Give But Never Did"

This unique event will showcase a series of lectures where renowned scholars step outside their primary research focus to explore topics of personal passion and broader intellectual interest. Each talk will delve into what it means to be a well-rounded scholar in today’s academic landscape.

Event Highlights:

- Esteemed Speakers: Join us to hear from an initial list of confirmed speakers, including some of the brightest minds from various disciplines.

- Engaging Discussions: Participate in open discussions on the attributes modern scientists need to develop as comprehensive scholars.

- Networking Opportunities: Enjoy a reception with finger food and refreshments, fostering interaction and networking among attendees.

- Wide Reach: The series will be recorded and broadcasted online, ensuring you can participate from anywhere in the world.

Don't miss this opportunity to expand your horizons and engage with thought leaders who exemplify the true spirit of interdisciplinary scholarship. Join us for a journey beyond the conventional boundaries of academic inquiry!

Speaker Spotlight:

Name and Title: Professor Thanasis Fokas, a distinguished mathematician, and polymath.

Current Position: Director, ‘Legendary Program in Mathematics’, University of Cambridge.

Academic Background and Achievements

Educational Background:

B.S. in Aeronautics from Imperial College (1975), a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from California Institute of Technology (1979), and an M.D. from the University of Miami (1986).

Professional Career:

The inaugural holder of the Chair of Nonlinear Mathematical Science, University of Cambridge. Held prestigious positions at various universities, including Imperial College, Stanford University, and Harvard University.

Research Contributions:

Renowned for ground-breaking work in the field of integrable nonlinear partial differential equations. Introduced the Fokas Method, which according to the citations of the Blaise Pascal Medal of the European Academy of Sciences, “is considered the most important development in the solution of partial differential equations since the works of Fourier, Laplace and Cauchy”.

Interdisciplinary Contributions

Fields of Impact:

He has published more than 400 papers in a remarkably broad range of topics, in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Biology, Medicine, Philosophy, and the Arts.

Selected Contributions:

The solution of inverse problems arising in the medical techniques of PET, SPECT, EEG, AND MEG; topological rules for protein folding; novel approaches to water waves; post-Minkowskian approximation of the General Theory of Relativity; random matrices and orthogonal polynomials; fractality in paintings of Mondrian; asymptotics of the Riemann zeta function, perception as the solution of an inverse problem; models for leukaemia and for Covid-19.

Awards and Honours

Most-cited mathematician of all time from the University of Cambridge.

He is a member of the Academy of Athens and of all three major European Academies, including Academia Europaea. He is a Fellow of Clare Hall College, Cambridge (2005), of the Guggenheim Foundation (2009), of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (2019), and of the American Mathematical Society (2024). In 2000 he was the recipient of the Naylor Prize of the London Mathematical Society (the previous recipient was Steven Hawking), in 2023 he was awarded the Blaise Pascal Medal of the European Academy of Sciences, and he is the 2024 recipient of the SIAM’s Kruskal Award/Lecture. He has been decorated with the Order of Phoenix by the President of the Hellenic Republic (2005).

Personal Attributes and Impact

Polymath Traits:

Exemplifies the essence of a polymath through his broad knowledge and expertise across multiple disciplines.

Inspires others with his ability to bridge diverse fields and apply mathematical principles to solve real-world problems.

Mentorship and Influence:

Mentored numerous students and researchers, fostering the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists.

Highly regarded for his ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible and engaging manner.

Get Involved:

- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on West Hub website and social media for the latest updates about the upcoming events.

- Suggest Speakers: We will welcome suggestions for future speakers via our event’s webpage and social media platforms.