Dates: 1 & 2 October 2025
Times: 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM (50 minutes each)
Format: Live, online, and classroom-ready – all you need is paper!

On 26 September 1925, Dr Elbert Cox became the first Black person in the world to get a PhD in maths, and schools across the UK are invited to celebrate the 100th anniversary with the Black Heroes of Maths Youth Festival.

Four guest speakers will join us  for exciting, engaging digital sessions held on Zoom.

Aimed at 7-14 year olds in upper primary and lower secondary settings, each digital session will be led by working mathematicians, bringing maths to life by sharing their expertise through accessible and enjoyable challenges. The sessions will include fun, accessible challenges, real-life maths applications, and stories of trailblazing careers, all designed to boost confidence and curiosity in the classroom. 

Session 1: 1 October @ 10am: Black Heroes of Mathematics with Nira Chamberlain and Elbert Lucien Cox Jr (ages 7-14)

Session 2: 1 October @ 2pm: Maths Magic with Angela Tabiri (ages 7-11)

Session 3: 2 October @ 10am: Infinity Wars: is it Maths or Physics? with Nira Chamberlain and Mark Richards (ages 11 – 14)

Session 4: 2 October @ 2pm: Will my computer survive without Maths? with Herbert Daly (ages 7-14)

Don’t miss this special event – book your FREE place now: 

Wednesday 1 October

10am (all ages 7-14)
2pm (ages 7-11)

Thursday 2 October

10am (ages 11-14)
2pm (all ages 7-14)
Nira Chamberlain
Nira Chamberlain OBE, is a professional mathematician and founder of Black Heroes of Mathematics, with over 30 years experience of mathematical modelling, simulation and developing algorithms. He works in an international engineering firm to solve problems from locating a missing aeroplane to ensuring more women get top jobs.
Angela Tabiri
Voted the World’s Most Interesting Mathematician in 2024, Ghanaian Dr Angela Tabiri has a passion for quantum, or non-commutative, algebra, which she researches at the Ghana branch of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (Aims) and for changing assumptions that African female mathematicians can only teach, which she pursues as academic manager for the Girls in Mathematical Sciences Programme in Ghana.
Mark Richards

Physicist, climate researcher, and founder of the Blackett Lab Family CIC – a pioneering organisation increasing Black representation in physics. Mark connects science, innovation, and policy to solve global problems and promote equity in STEM.

Herbert Daly
Can my computer survive without maths? Dr Daly says no, and he’s here to show students why. A senior lecturer in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire, his work spans software engineering, enterprise systems, and the hidden maths behind our digital world.
Elbert Lucien Cox Jr
Elbert Lucien Cox, Jr is a NASA engineer with 40 years experience. Co-founder of MathsSTEM, a Maths education programme for children and young people in the USA, his grandfather, Elbert Frank Cox, was the first Black person in the world to receive a PhD in Maths.

Find out more about the Black Heroes of Mathematics Conference:
2024 Festival
2025 Festival

The Black Heroes of Mathematics Youth Festival is funded by the Royal Commission of 1851 and held in association with the Black Heroes of Mathematics Conference, chaired by Professor Nira Chamberlain.
With thanks to the conference partners – London Mathematical Society, Institute of Mathematics and its Applications and the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences.