The Isaac Newton Institute is the world's foremost mathematical research centre. Living Proof aims to highlight the diverse people and interconnected topics linked to its many activities. Interviewees range from visiting academics and lecturers to mathematicians, other scientists, musicians, artists, students, and prominent figures within the University of Cambridge and beyond. The podcast typically involves mathematical themes, but is specifically aimed at a general audience. The focus is on the subjects being interviewed and the social stories they have to tell, not just on the significance and details of the research they may be undertaking. We hope there is interest and inspiration here for everyone.- The Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences (UK) is an international research centre based in Cambridge, UK. A part of the University of Cambridge, it has been hosting research programmes on mathematical themes since July 1992.Visit > www.newton.ac.uk/news/ini-podcast
https://www.newton.ac.uk/news/ini-podcast/
episode 57: #55 Marbles, pint glasses and the Kepler conjecture: an overview of the 2023 GeomPack programme, with organisers Simon Cox and Adil Mughal
In the latest episode, Dan Aspel speaks to Simon Cox and Adil Mughal - organisers of the 2023 programme "GeomPack: Geometry and packing in material structure and biology". The second ever INI satellite programme, GeomPack is being held at Aberystwyth University in its 150th year. Simon and Adil explain the joys and challenges of organising such an event, as well as the fascinating research which has seen them and the participants tackle "some of the knottiest problems in mathematics for centuries”.
PMV programme: https://www.newton.ac.uk/event/pmv/
00:00 - Introduction
00:58 - Welcome and programme overview, life in Aberystwyth
03:40 - Comparing the experience to events at INI, origins of the GeomPack community
08:40 - Marbles and pint glasses: how to explain packing problems (the Kepler conjecture and "some of the knottiest problems in mathematics for centuries”)
17:00 - The fascination of the “Einstein tile”
19:10 - Learnings from running an INI satellite programme
25:45 - Looking ahead to the future
Episode recorded 04/09/23