The revamped 2024 Tom Rocks Maths Essay Competition in partnership with the Oxford University Department for Continuing Education has reached its thrilling conclusion. After showcasing all 239 essays, across 16 groups, I have selected my favourite 16 for the shortlist.

The two winners, receiving a cash prize and entry onto an online course of their choice at the Oxford University Department for Continuing Education, will be announced in the coming days. Best of luck to everyone!

Applying the techniques of mathematical modelling to the Avengers and the MCU’s seeming disregard for the complexities of time travel. A fun adventure from start to finish!

An incredibly well-explained derivation of an extremely clever formula. Reads like watching a Numberphile video, which is some of the highest praise I can offer.

It’s no secret I love fluid dynamics, but combining it with history and some neat calculus just makes it even better.

A real-world application of probability and statistics to a subject I didn’t realise could be so mathematical. The originality is truly excellent.

A brilliant introduction to the power of scaling analysis, which is then applied to answer a hotly debated question from Star Wars. Very entertaining.

Some really nice maths with a sprinkle of heartwarming advice for anyone trying to navigate the world of dating.

An incredibly thorough account of how the mathematical structure of symmetry can be applied to a Rubik’s cube. I learned a lot!

A brilliant application of a whole host of mathematical topics to the world of skateboarding. I loved it!

As a fan of maths and a fan of football this was thoroughly enjoyable. The wide range of different mathematical techniques employed is very impressive.

Reads like a conversation you have inside your head – which I mean as a huge compliment! Entertaining, insightful and overall just a very enjoyable read.

A really nice explanation of the mathematical theorems applicable to origami, and how they can be used to explain some of the shapes that can be produced.

An original way of looking at the Fibonacci sequence, plus an introduction to the ‘impossible cuboid’ – all linked together using generating functions. Lovely stuff.

An easy-to-follow explanation of one the hardest unsolved problems in mathematics. I couldn’t have done a better job myself!

I love any attempt to use maths in new ways, and this essay does exactly that. Not to mention the interesting results that it uncovers!

A fun way to introduce the often daunting topic of special relativity, through playful examples and conversations. Plus, a nice answer to the title question.

A fantastic example that maths does not need to always be complicated to provide interesting insights, with a good message at throughout.