First woman appointed Gresham Professor of Geometry

The London Mathematical Society (LMS) is delighted to learn that Society member Sarah Hart has been appointed Gresham Professor of Geometry. The position is thought to be the oldest mathematical chair in Britain and Professor Hart is the first woman to be appointed in its 423-year history. Many distinguished mathematicians have held the position previously including Henry Briggs, Robert Hooke, Karl Pearson, Sir Roger Penrose, and John D Barrow.

Professor Hart is Professor of Mathematics at Birkbeck, University of London with specialist research interests in the area of pure mathematics known as group theory. She is Vice-President of the British Society for the History of Mathematics and a keen mathematics communicator, speaking to a wide variety of audiences at numerous public lectures as well as talks in schools; she has also appeared regularly in the media.

Professor Hart, commented: ‘I am incredibly excited to become part of Gresham’s mission of free adult education, helping people become inspired by mathematics, and I’m especially delighted to be the first woman mathematician in this role’.

More information is available here.