BSHM-Gresham Lecture 2026

Our annual joint lecture with Gresham College in the heart of central London and online. This year we will hear from Professor Dr Volker Remmert (Bergische Universität Wuppertal) on:

What do you need a mathematician for? Perspectives from the 17th century.

In the early modern period, it was common practice to praise the mathematical sciences, a typical example being Martinus Hortensius’ Inauguration Speech on the Dignity and the Usefulness of the Mathematical Sciences (Amsterdam 1634).

This lecture explains how “mathematical sciences” were understood in the 17th century, before exploring the arguments which were used to advocate for the use of the mathematical sciences, using visual materials such as title engravings of 17th century publications. Can previous answers to the question “What do you need a mathematician for?” help us understand our need for mathematicians today?

This event is free and open to all, but booking is required for both in-person and online attendance. Booking for in-person attendance will open one month before the lecture. For more details and to book, go to the Gresham College website: What Do You Need a Mathematician For? Perspectives from the 17th Century | Gresham College.