King's College London

Earlier this month, King’s welcomed founder, scientist and businessman Stephen Wolfram to the Strand for a lecture to packed-out crowds of students and staff and a one-on-one interview.

In his talk, Wolfram, best known as the creator of the popular mathematical software system Mathematica and the Wolfram Alpha answer engine, addressed the interdisciplinary gathering on the topic of computation and the interconnected foundations between physics and mathematics.

Organised jointly by the Department of Mathematics and the King’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence, the afternoon began with an opening from Head of the Mathematics Department Professor Anne Taormina and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences Professor Rachel Bearon.

Combining personal anecdotes of their connection with Wolfram with their thoughts on how his work embodied wider innovation, both reflected on the rich legacy of speakers passing through the university.

The talk began with a discussion on the powerful cyclical relationship between computation and foundational science, how one helps build a better understanding of the other to help create ever more powerful and accurate models.

During a section on thermodynamics the lecture was disturbed with the blare of the fire alarm, but the spirit of scientific investigation continued outside as Wolfram held court on computational science surrounded by staff and students.

Upon being let back in Bush House, ancient arguments about the discreet or continuous nature of the universe were unearthed again as it was posited that dark matter could be a large-scale manifestation of the dynamics of space-time, like heat is a manifestation of the dynamics of particle movement.

Taking a tour through Wolfram’s thoughts on the interrelated foundations of mathematics and physics, his work on biology and how you could derive the laws of physics through computational models, the talk concluded with a ‘sneak peek’ on his mechanical theory of why cells move with purpose as opposed to randomly.

Organiser and Professor of Theoretical Physics, Professor Nikolay Gromov said of the event "It was a pleasure to host Stephen Wolfram as he traced deep interconnections across the sciences. Mathematica, the system he created, has long been a key tool for theorists in my field and has, to a large extent, enabled my own career in theoretical physics.

"It was especially exciting for me, my colleagues, and our students who use it in their studies and research, to see and interact with him in person at King's. The research he discussed, including work developed with our alumnus Jonathan Gorard, was both fascinating and inspiring.

"Although the logistics did not go entirely to the initial plan, his conversation with a crowd of eager students captured the scientific engagement and spirit we value at King's."

The lecture was then followed by a Q&A with the audience and a brief drinks reception.