Voices of Mathematics

Mathematics Faculty, University of Cambridge

Insights and interviews from the Mathematics Faculty, University of Cambridge. Voices of Mathematics takes you inside the University of Cambridge's Mathematics Faculty, the home of the Cambridge Mathematics departments.  From number theory and geometry to cosmology and quantum physics, the Faculty's work explores fundamental and exciting questions to extend the boundaries of discovery. In conversations with researchers from both departments, we explore topics across pure and applied mathematics, mathematical statistics and theoretical physics. Join us for conversations with members of the Mathematics Faculty as they share their personal insights into the fascinating - and wide - world of mathematics and the mathematical sciences. Find out more at maths.cam.ac.uk Voices of Mathematics is hosted by Marianne Freiberger and Rachel Thomas, Editors of Plus.

Episodes

  1. 12/10/2025

    Voices of Mathematics: Holly Krieger

    Welcome to Voices of Mathematics, a podcast from the Mathematics Faculty at the University of Cambridge. From number theory and geometry to cosmology and quantum physics, join us to explore topics across pure and applied mathematics, mathematical statistics and theoretical physics. In this episode we talk to Holly Krieger, Professor of Mathematics at the Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics. Holly Krieger works in the overlap of two areas of mathematics: number theory - which is famous for problems such as Fermat's Last Theorem - and complex dynamics, which gives rise to beautiful fractals. This intersection is known as arithmetic dynamics, and it's an exciting, relatively young area of research.  Holly Krieger's research has been recognised with several prestigious prizes and awards. With over 11 million views for her appearances on Numberphile, she has also connected with a wide audience to share the beauty and fascination of mathematics. We talked to her to learn more about her research area, mathematical communication, and the interesting advice she'd give for people starting out on a career in maths.   The podcast is hosted by Marianne Freiberger and Rachel Thomas, Editors of Plus, from the communications and outreach team at the Mathematics Faculty.   To find out more about topics mentioned in this podcast see: Our article Holly Krieger and the dynamics of numbers Our article and this Plus podcast about Fermat's Last Theorem and how its solution continues to inspire new mathematics Holly Krieger's videos on Numberphile Discover more about the University of Cambridge Faculty of Mathematics at maths.cam.ac.uk.

    28 min
  2. Colm-cille Caulfield: Reflections from DAMTP

    10/22/2025

    Colm-cille Caulfield: Reflections from DAMTP

    Welcome to Voices of Mathematics, the podcast that takes you inside the Mathematics Faculty at the University of Cambridge. After five and a half years, Professor Colm-cille Caulfield stepped down as Head of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) here in Cambridge from 1 October 2025, handing over the role to Professor Nick Dorey. Colm took up the role in January 2020, just months before the country was plunged into lockdown during the COVID pandemic. But as well as steering DAMTP during international crisis, his time in post has seen a huge range of innovation, growth and development. This includes the introduction of new taught courses (including three new Masters programmes) and the recruitment of outstanding colleagues at all career stages, working on exciting and diverse fields. We talked to him to learn more about the major challenges and proud moments of this unique job, what makes DAMTP a special place to work and study, and what advice he would pass on to a new head of department.   The podcast is presented by Marianne Freiberger, Editor of Plus (plus.maths.org) and Julia Hawkins, both from the outreach, engagement and communications team at the Mathematics Faculty (https://www.maths.cam.ac.uk). You can find out more about DAMTP at https://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk and read more about our interview with Colm at https://www.maths.cam.ac.uk/features/colm-cille-caulfield-looks-back-his-time-head-department

    36 min

About

Insights and interviews from the Mathematics Faculty, University of Cambridge. Voices of Mathematics takes you inside the University of Cambridge's Mathematics Faculty, the home of the Cambridge Mathematics departments.  From number theory and geometry to cosmology and quantum physics, the Faculty's work explores fundamental and exciting questions to extend the boundaries of discovery. In conversations with researchers from both departments, we explore topics across pure and applied mathematics, mathematical statistics and theoretical physics. Join us for conversations with members of the Mathematics Faculty as they share their personal insights into the fascinating - and wide - world of mathematics and the mathematical sciences. Find out more at maths.cam.ac.uk Voices of Mathematics is hosted by Marianne Freiberger and Rachel Thomas, Editors of Plus.