Inaugural Gresham in the North Lecture a Resounding Success

The first Gresham In The North lecture was a resounding success last week, hosted in partnership with St. John’s College in their refurbished event space in Bink’s Hall.

Professor Sarah Hart spoke to an engaged audience about four key algorithms that have not just shaped pure mathematics but have found unexpected applications in areas as diverse as nuclear physics, filmmaking, medicine, and music.

Most Gresham College lectures take place in our Barnard’s Inn home, London, but for the first time in our history, we are holding three events in the newly refurbished Binks Hall in St John's College, Durham.

Professor Jane Shaw, Provost of Gresham College, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with St John's College for these lectures and thrilled that so many people attended Sarah Hart's inaugural event. 

“It was a fascinating look at a form of mathematics that many of us take for granted, and it certainly lived up to the high standards of world-class lectures that Gresham College provides across the academic year."

Ahead of the main lecture, sixth formers from the greater Durham area were also invited to their own special presentation, an abridged version of Professor Hart's talk. This echoed Gresham College's schools’ outreach programme in London, where leading academics give schools-orientated lectures at Mulberry Academy for Girls, which are also streamed online. 

Preparations are now being made for the next two lectures in the series:

• Dr Ian Mudway, The Life Cycle of a Holiday on Thursday, 26 November
• Professor Robin May, The Future of Medicine, on Monday, 14 December

Each of these lectures will also be offered in a slightly abridged version for sixth formers at 3pm.

Professor Jolyon Mitchell, Principal of St John’s College, Durham said: "We are enjoying giving Durham residents an opportunity to discover what makes Gresham College and St John’s College such special academic institutions. Anyone can attend these thought-provoking and rich public lectures; no academic qualifications are needed.

“Following Professor Hart's brilliant lecture, we look forward to welcoming everyone for the next two events."