Black Heroes of Mathematics Youth Festival
Dates: Wednesday 7 October 2026 & Thursday 8 October 2026
Times: 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM (50 minutes each)
Format: Live, online, and classroom-ready – all you need is paper!
The Black Heroes of Mathematics Youth Festival connects young people with world-class Black mathematicians through interactive sessions, fun activities and inspiring stories. With real-life role models to learn from, participants discover the many ways mathematics shapes the world around them. Sessions are free and open to upper primary and lower secondary school classes (ages 8–14) across the UK.
This year’s Youth Festival will hold four events across the two days, with two for lower secondary and two for upper primary classes. Each day covers a different topic. Join us for both days!
Session 1: 7 October @ 10am: Discover David Blackwell with Nira and Juliet (Lower Secondary)
Session 2: 7 October @ 2pm: Discover David Blackwell with Nira and Juliet (Upper Primary)
Session 3: 8 October @ 10am: Get Smart About A.I. with Jason and Herb (Lower Secondary)
Session 4: 8 October @ 2pm: Get Smart About A.I. with Jason and Herb (Upper Primary)
Open to ages 8-14 across the UK – book your FREE places now!
Wednesday 7 October
Thursday 8 October
Professor Nira Chamberlain OBE
Juliet Ojiako
Juliet Ojiako is a lecturer at Loughborough University. She has been at Loughborough University since 2015 as a Masters student, a PhD student, a University Teacher, a PostDoc (STEM Engagement specialist), and now continues to teach there. She is passionate about reaching more young scientists and schools with her work.
Dr Herb Daly
Dr Herb Daly is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire with a PhD in Mathematical Modelling. At university he studied Computer Science, using mathematical techniques to improve the quality of software. He now uses mathematical approaches to understand large business critical systems looking at areas such as AI and Cyber Security.
Dr Jason S. Anquandah
Dr Jason S. Anquandah is a Lecturer in Statistics and Data Analytics at the University of the West of England. She has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford, and is the Co-Founder and CEO of PrivateLearn, an educational technology initiative dedicated to expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities across Africa.
The Black Heroes of Mathematics Youth Festival is funded by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 and held in association with the Black Heroes of Mathematics Conference, founded by Professor Nira Chamberlain OBE. With thanks to the conference partners – the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences, the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, and the London Mathematical Society.