#43 Communicating maths: a journalist’s perspective, an interview with Tom Whipple

Episode published 06/07/22In episode #43 of Living Proof, Maha Kaouri and Christie Marr speak to Tom Whipple, Science Editor at The Times. Tom read Maths at Cambridge and has been covering science for the Times since 2011. He was recently involved in a Newton Gateway/V-KEMS/RAMP Virtual Study Group on The Public Perception of Science, where he presented a challenge on Communicating Mathematics. Tom was then invited to the Institute to learn more about all the mathematics programmes and activities INI hosts.00:20 – Welcome00:50 – The journey from a mathematics undergraduate to a scientific journalist03:36 – The challenge of communicating mathematics07:57 – The public perception of mathematics10:46 – Reflecting on the benefits of a mathematics degree13:59 – What makes a great maths story? How to persuade an editor?20:32 – The impact of COVID-19 on scientific journalism & the public understanding of mathematics26:01 – Maths-related topics & engaging the audience