Below is a translation of the original article published in Latvian on the Riga Technical University website.

How to reduce pollution in the oceans and save the planet with the help of mathematics? About mathematical modeling and its use in solving various problems in the only lecture in the Science and Innovation Center hall of Riga Technical University (RTU) “The Moon” on April 20 at At 11.00, Oxford University mathematician Tom Crawford , who shares his love of mathematics with millions on the award-winning YouTube channel, will talk. 

Mathematical modeling can solve almost any problem imaginable, says T. Crawford. 

He is a professor, mathematics lecturer and promoter of the University of Oxford, recognized as the best university in the world in 2024 in the international “Times Higher Education” ranking. In his lectures, YouTube videos, podcasts, and other open access materials, T. Crawford demonstrates that even very complex mathematical problems and equations can be explained with enthusiasm, humor, and comparisons from everyday life. He addresses a wide audience both on his YouTube channel “Tom Rocks Maths” and “Numberphile”, which has almost 4.5 million, is the most popular math channel with a large number of subscribers. His passion for mathematics can also be enjoyed in TEDx talks. T. Crawford is also known as the “naked mathematician”, whose body is decorated with a large number of tattoos dedicated to mathematics. 

The Oxford University Mathematician’s lecture is part of the activities that RTU has been purposefully implementing for years to promote awareness and interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) among various groups of society. This guest lecture will highlight the importance of exact sciences in solving globally important challenges. It will be of interest to pupils and students, to teachers, to those employed in industry and to any curious person.

Participation in the guest lecture is free, please register in advance.

The lecture will be held in English. 

On the other hand, on Sunday, April 21, at 14.00 T. Crawford will conduct a master class at the first birthday celebration of the RTU curiosity center “Futurimo Riga”, which will take place at Meža iela 1, k6. In it, he will reveal the link between mathematics and football, namely, he will look at the geometry behind the perfect penalty kick in football and tell how to use statistics to predict future world records in the marathon. 

The birthday of “Futurimo Riga” will be celebrated on April 20 and 21 at 10.00-17.00 with master classes by world-class scientists, chemical science shows, technical creative workshops and an interactive maritime exhibition. More information here.