Join renowned mathematician and Fields Medalist Terence Tao for an exploration of six foundational mathematical concepts that have shaped the field from antiquity to the present day. Drawing from themes in his book Six Math Essentials, Tao will discuss how numbers, algebra, geometry, probability, analysis, and dynamics provide powerful frameworks for understanding our increasingly complex world.
Through this talk, Tao will demonstrate that mathematics is far more than formulas and calculations. It is a creative, interconnected way of thinking that helps us reason, solve problems, and make sense of uncertainty. Whether you're a lifelong math enthusiast or simply curious about the ideas that underpin modern science and technology, this lecture offers an accessible introduction to the beauty and power of mathematical thinking.
In-person attendance option
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This registration is for virtual attendance via Zoom webinar. In-person registration opens for a limited number of seats on October 22, 2026, at 9am CT. If you would prefer to attend this program in-person at The Linda Hall, please follow this link to register:
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CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE
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Professor of Mathematics and James and Carol Collins Chair in the College of Arts and Letters, UCLAÂ
Terence Tao is a professor of mathematics at UCLA whose work focuses primarily on harmonic analysis, partial differential equations, combinatorics, and analytic number theory. The recipient of a Fields Medal, a MacArthur Genius Grant, and a Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics, among many other accolades, he is one of the most decorated and prolific mathematicians working today. Tao is the author of several academic books, including Solving Mathematical Problems: A Personal Perspective and Additive Combinatorics.
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Professor Tao is a Fellow of the Royal Society and the National Academy of Sciences. From 2020-2024, he served on the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. He received his PhD in mathematics from Princeton University.
