The RIA is pleased to partner with Irish Mathematical Society to host a public mathematics lecture by Hugo Parlier.

This event is taking place as part of the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Irish Mathematical Society and is aimed at anyone with a general interest in mathematics. The lecture will last approximately 45 minutes, followed by a moderated Q&A/discussion.

Lecture abstract:

How do shapes relate to one another? Where the artist intuitively grasps the balance between forms, mathematicians map out these relationships by incorporating notions of distance and transformation into what they call moduli spaces, vast structured landscapes of all possible geometric shapes.

Together with Bruno Teheux, in order to sample collective creativity, we imagined the project Life Lines and collected thousands of drawings from around the world. The game Quadratis, designed with Paul Turner, allows players to explore and visualize moduli spaces.

Both projects will be at the heart of a resolutely interactive talk.

About the speaker:

Hugo Parlier is a mathematician from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland interested in the study of shapes and their deformations. Many of his results are related to the study of curves on surfaces and often have a combinatorial and visual flavor. In addition, he is passionate about sharing the ever evolving nature of mathematical research with as wide an audience possible. Recently, his efforts and fruitful collaborations led to activities involving puzzles and collaborative art activities being showcased in science museums, at the EPFL Pavilions, and at the World Expos in 2022 and 2025.

This event has been co-organised by the Irish Mathematical Society and the Royal Irish Academy's Physical, Chemical and Mathematical Sciences Committee. The organisers are grateful to IBM for their sponsorship of the post-lecture reception.

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Eolas faoi Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann

Is cumann léannta neamhspleách, uile-oileáin é Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann, a bunaíodh sa bhliain 1785. Tacaíonn an tAcadamh le scoláireacht agus taighde sna heolaíochtaí, sna daonnachtaí agus sna heolaíochtaí sóisialta. Tá tuairim is 680 comhalta tofa ann agus 80 ball foirne, agus déanann siad ionadaíocht ar son na hÉireann go hidirnáisiúnta, cuireann siad comhairle shaineolach ar fáil don rialtas, déanann siad taighde, déanann siad deontais taighde a riaradh, eagraíonn siad comhdhálacha agus léachtaí poiblí, cuireann siad leabhair agus irisí acadúla i gcló, agus déanann siad cúram de leabharlann taighde.

About the Royal Irish Academy

The Royal Irish Academy, established in 1785, is an all-island, independent learned society and academic body that champions research by supporting and promoting scholarship in the sciences, humanities and social sciences. Its elected membership of approximately 680 individuals and 80 staff represent Ireland internationally, provide expert advice to government, carry out research, administer research grants, organise conferences and public lectures, publish academic books and journals, and maintain a research library.

Description supplied by the event organiser.