Cardiff academic appointed among first London Mathematical Society Outreach Lecturers
29 September 2026
A Cardiff University mathematician has been selected as one of the first academics in the UK to join a new outreach initiative from the London Mathematical Society (LMS), helping to inspire the next generation of mathematicians.
Dr Thomas Woolley, from the School of Computational and Mathematical Sciences, has been appointed as an LMS Outreach Lecturer as part of a new scheme designed to build a network of mathematicians delivering engaging talks and workshops to learners across the UK.
The London Mathematical Society's Outreach Lecturers Scheme aims to create a community of outreach lecturers working across the UK, providing high-quality mathematical outreach to learners in primary, secondary and further education settings.
The programme places a particular emphasis on reaching schools and colleges with a high proportion of learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
If I can use the beauty and wonder of mathematics to inspire the next generation then they will hopefully leave school with at least an appreciation of mathematics rather than fear.
As an LMS Outreach Lecturer, Dr Woolley will deliver talks and workshops that enrich mathematical education both within and beyond the curriculum, encouraging young people to engage with mathematics and explore its applications.
"Mathematics does not have the best reputation amongst the wider population. It is seen as difficult, boring and overly complicated. Unfortunately, bad impressions early in life result in adults that are actively scared and anxious about mathematics," said Dr Woolley.
"However, more than ever mathematics is leading us into the future with the development of AI and I want to encourage everyone to not be afraid of numbers, arithmetic and equations."
The scheme supports the LMS's strategic aim to promote the importance of mathematics and create opportunities for those wishing to study and pursue careers in mathematics and its applications. It also builds on the Society's existing outreach activities, including the Holgate Lectures and Workshops and Mathematics Communication and Outreach Workshops.
Dr Woolley is among the first cohort of Outreach Lecturers appointed by the LMS.
Through the role, he hopes to challenge perceptions of mathematics, demonstrate its relevance to modern life, and encourage more young people to consider studying mathematical subjects and careers.
