Mark Roberts
Emeritus Professor of Mathematics - University of Surrey
Mark Roberts is an emeritus professor of mathematics at the University of Surrey.
He was Head of Mathematics at Surrey for five years (2008 – 2013) and the founding Rector of the Tanzanian branch of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) for three years (2014 – 17).
Previous experience includes two years in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Zimbabwe (1993-1994) where he co-founded a very successful Regional Postgraduate Programme in Mathematical Modelling.
Since 2000 Mark has led a series of interdisciplinary research and research training projects including European Union Research Training Networks on ‘Mechanics and Symmetry’ and ‘Astrodynamics’, and UK research council funded projects on the ‘Dynamics and Symmetry of Molecules’.
He has personally supervised 11 postdoctoral fellows and 15 PhD students.
How would you define your field of study? What is your vision about it? Which are the topics you’re most passionate about?
My mathematical interests have cut across a broad range of pure and applied mathematics, including singularity theory, bifurcation theory, dynamical systems, control theory, geometric mechanics, symplectic geometry and, most recently, population genetics. Almost all my research has been collaborative and I have co-authored papers with more than 40 other mathematicians, physicists, engineers and biologists. I believe strongly that there are enormous opportunities for mathematicians to impact on other sciences, and for new ‘pure’ mathematics to develop out of such interactions.
How was your experience in IMM? Why did you accept to teach for this project?
My experience of working with students at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Tanzania was extremely rewarding and so I jumped at the opportunity to participate in the similar CUI-ICTP International Mathematics Masters in Lahore. I wasn’t disappointed! The enthusiasm of the students is wonderful, and I believe there is a huge potential for them to make a real impact in Pakistan and beyond. I look forward to continuing to work with the project, and to learning more about Pakistan and its people.
What is your teaching philosophy? What would you like to transmit to your students? How do you motivate them?
To become a mathematician one must do mathematics, not just watch or listen to other people doing it. This includes working out for oneself how to do mathematics! Established mathematicians can provide inspiration and mentorship, but deep understanding must come from within, and requires hard work.
Do you have one of two favorite quotes you would like to share and/or a personal “motto”?
“Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.” (Thomas Edison, 1932)
“Luck is the crossroads where opportunity and preparation meet.” (Seneca, 1 st Century AD)