Will Barnfield Wins National Recognition for Best Maths Project at 2024 IMA Celebration

Published on 29 October 2024

Will Barnfield, an undergraduate from our Department of Mathematics, has been awarded first place in the prestigious IMA National Celebration of the Best Maths Project 2024. The event, which celebrates top mathematical talent across UK universities, is hosted by the Early Career Mathematicians (ECM) Committee in honour of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications' (IMA) 60th anniversary.

Barnfield’s winning project, titled “Vibrations of an N-gon Mass-Spring System and Further Geometry,” captivated the judges with its innovative exploration of vibrational modes in physical systems. His research delves into the science behind why objects vibrate at specific frequencies—think of a tuning fork’s pitch. Barnfield’s project progresses from a simple mass-spring system to complex, three-dimensional structures, exploring beautiful geometric patterns and potential geophysical applications of these systems. His application of gyroscopes to model rotating bodies brought added depth and originality to the project, exemplifying a combination of theoretical knowledge and applied mathematics.

The IMA National Celebration of the Best Maths Project is a renowned platform for emerging mathematicians to showcase their work and connect with the mathematical community. This year, participants were drawn from top-ranking students nominated by universities across the UK. Barnfield’s outstanding project secured him the top position, highlighting the strength and promise of mathematical research at the University of Liverpool.

This talk will be given remotely, via Zoom. If you wish to register for attendance at this talk, please register here.