Vicky Neale and Heather Harrington look at how mathematical techniques are used to identify patterns in cancer data, and discuss the creative thinking required of mathematicians. In the sixth episode of the series, Vicky talks to Professor Heather Harrington from the University of Oxford’s Mathematical Institute. They explore how techniques from algebra and topology are being used to identify patterns in cancer data, giving a more nuanced understanding than has previously been possible.   They also look at the creative thinking required of mathematicians, and the importance of collaboration be ..read more

Vicky Neale sits down with Helen Byrne to discuss her research around mathematical modelling for tumour prediction, and her advice for researchers who want to apply their work to cancer research. In the fifth episode of the series, Vicky talks to Professor Helen Byrne, Professor of Mathematical Biology at the University of Oxford’s Mathematical Institute, and Senior Group Leader at the Oxford Branch of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research.  They discuss Professor Byrne’s research which focuses on mathematical modelling and biology, and how modelling can provide predictive tools for growth ..read more

Vicky Neale sits down with Tom Whyntie to look at how mathematics is being used in medical imaging to optimise cancer care, and the ‘epic amounts of data’ behind the technology. In the third episode of the series, Vicky talks to Dr Tom Whyntie, Teaching Fellow in the Department of Oncology and Director of Studies for the MSc Radiation Biology at the University of Oxford. Here, they explore Dr Whyntie’s career – from his work as a particle physicist on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, to using medical imaging to improve cancer treatments. They discuss how mathematics is being used to optimise ..read more

Vicky Neale and David Spiegelhalter explore the role of statisticians in communicating risk to the public, and how patients can be empowered to engage with clinicians when weighing up the benefits and risks of treatment. In the second episode of the series, Vicky talks to Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, Chair of the Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication at the University of Cambridge. A leading statistician, and author, Professor Spiegelhalter discusses his work on the successful Predict tools for breast and prostate cancer, which help patients make informed decisions about thei ..read more

Vicky Neale talks to Philip Maini about how mathematical modelling can help researchers and doctors to improve the quality of life for people receiving cancer treatment. In the first episode of the series, Vicky talks to Philip Maini, Director of the Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology and Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford.    Their conversation covers how mathematical modelling can be used in calculating tumour growth and treatment scenarios. They explore the application of modelling to treatment dosages and clinical trials, as well its importance in surgical approaches ..read more