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Marcus du Sautoy on How Mathematics Shapes Creativity

Science &
Technology

How a fundamental connection to the natural world intrinsically links mathematics and creativity

From the earliest stone circles to Mozart’s obsession with numbers to the radically modern architecture of Zaha Hadid, maths and creativity are interwoven across time and space. Whether we are searching for meaning in an abstract painting or finding patterns in poetry, there are blueprints everywhere: symmetry, prime numbers, the golden ratio and more.

In May 2025 we were joined by award-winning mathematician and Oxford professor Marcus du Sautoy as he looked to the arts to uncover the key mathematical structures that underpin both nature and human creativity. Drawing on his new book, Blueprints, du Sautoy explored how we make art, why a creative mindset is vital for discovering new mathematics, and how a fundamental connection to the natural world intrinsically links these two subjects.

Speakers for the motion

  • Marcus du Sautoy

    Mathematician and science broadcaster

Chair

  • Dr Shini Somara

    Science broadcaster and mechanical engineer

Speakers are subject to change.

Speakers

Speaker

Marcus du Sautoy

Mathematician and science broadcaster

One of the country’s best known science broadcasters. He is Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University, where he holds the prestigious Simonyi Chair for the Public Understanding of Science. He has presented numerous programmes on television and radio, including the internationally acclaimed BBC series The Story of Maths. His bestselling books include The Music of the Primes, The Number Mysteries and, most recently, What We Cannot Know: From Consciousness to the Cosmos, the Cutting Edge of Science Explained.
Chair

Dr Shini Somara

Science broadcaster and mechanical engineer

Award-winning science broadcaster and mechanical engineer. She was awarded a Doctorate in Engineering in 2004 for her development of Computational Fluid Dynamics. As a producer and broadcaster, she aims to translate complex science and technology into engaging, accessible and informative content. She has hosted ‘Crash Course’ series for Engineering and Physics, and her popular writing includes Engineers Making a Difference and a series of STEM books for children.