MoMath Announces First Distinguished Chair for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics, First Visiting Professorship in U.S. Dedicated to Raising Public Awareness of Math
NEW YORK (PRWEB) August 02, 2018 -- The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) announces its first Distinguished Chair for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics. This marks the first visiting professorship in the United States dedicated to raising public awareness of math. MoMath has named renowned Fields Medal winner and Princeton professor Manjul Bhargava as the inaugural Distinguished Visiting Professor.
“The finest mathematicians often share their passion in academic and research settings, but their inspiration and excitement are largely inaccessible to the general public in the United States,” said Cindy Lawrence, Executive Director of MoMath. “MoMath’s first Distinguished Chair for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics will employ that same rigorous level of math but present the subject in a way that has broad popular appeal and connects with math lovers of all ages and abilities. We hope that the creation of the distinguished visiting professorship will create a paradigm shift in the United States, to more publicly demonstrate the value of providing world class mathematics outreach to the public.”
Dr. Bhargava, who specializes in number theory, will give lectures at MoMath, teach mini-courses in his areas of expertise, and participate in various MoMath events and initiatives. In addition to the prestigious Fields Medal, which is awarded for outstanding mathematical achievement by the International Mathematical Union, Dr. Bhargava was named one of Popular Science Magazine’s “Brilliant 10” in 2002, and has received many top mathematics honors and awards.
Dr. Manjul Bhargava’s first eight-week course, appropriate for ages 13 and up, which will be held at MoMath, September 12 - December 12, will focus on “Math and Magic.” Dr. Bhargava will discuss mathematical concepts such as number theory, coding theory, and cryptography, and how they reveal secrets behind some of the most puzzling and well-known magic tricks. He will also discuss how recent discoveries in math have had important applications in areas beyond magic. More information, including registration information, for “Math and Magic” is available here.
The Distinguished Chair for the Public Dissemination of Mathematics is expected to be an annual program. The Simons Foundation has pledged support for the first two years of the program; MoMath plans to name its second Distinguished Chair holder soon.
About the National Museum of Mathematics
The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) strives to enhance public understanding, and perception of mathematics in daily life. Currently celebrating its fifth year of operation, MoMath has reached more than 1.5 million New Yorkers and visitors from around the world.
The only math museum in North America, MoMath fills a critical demand around the country and worldwide for hands-on math programming, offering a space where the math-challenged, as well as math enthusiasts of all backgrounds and levels of understanding can enjoy the infinite and beautiful world of mathematics through more than 40 unique, state-of-the-art, interactive exhibits.
In addition to MoMath’s home in New York City, Museum exhibitions and content are currently featured in Singapore, Brazil, Germany, Pakistan, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
MoMath received the 2016 Communications Award for Public Outreach from the Joint Policy Board for Mathematics. The Museum was awarded the bronze 2013 MUSE Award for Education and Outreach by the American Alliance of Museums. MoMath has been recognized as the Most Fascinating Museum in New York State by the TripAdvisor vacation site, and hailed as “Best Museum for Kids” by New York Magazine.
MoMath, located at 11 East 26th Street on the north side of popular Madison Square Park in Manhattan, is open seven days a week, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. For more information, visit momath.org.
Shannon Duer, Gary Zarr & Associates, +1 631-487-4883, [email protected]
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