Department of Mathematical Sciences

Applied Mathematics

The applied mathematics group at Durham University uses a range of mathematical and computational tools, from asymptotic analysis and dynamical systems theory to high-performance computing, to explore a variety of problems in the physical and biological sciences. Often this is done alongside collaborators in other scientific disciplines.

Academic Staff

Georgios Chouliaras

Laura Currie

Geophysical and astrophysical fluid dynamics, convection, magnetohydrodynamics

Craig Duguid

Hossein Kafiabad

Geophysical fluid dynamics, numerical methods, turbulence, wind energy

Andrew Krause

Dynamical systems, mathematical biology, pattern formation, PDEs

Cai Maitland-Davies

Denis Patterson

Dynamical systems, mathematical biology, applied stochastic analysis, PDEs

Marianna Pepona

Biological fluid dynamics, fluid–structure interactions, lattice Boltzmann method

Christopher Prior

Applied topology, biofilament mechanics, protein structure and dynamics, DNA topology

Oliver Rice

Adam Townsend

Viscous fluid dynamics, microswimmers, suspensions, rheology, scientific computing and visualisation

Tom Williams

Peter Wyper

Solar physics, magnetohydrodynamics

Anthony Yeates

Magnetohydrodynamics, scientific computing, solar physics

Emeritus Staff

Brian Straughan

Research Students

News from our department

Young children have long-lasting memories of vegetable smells experienced in the womb

Experiencing bitter or non-bitter flavours before birth can shape taste likes or dislikes after being born, according to new research led by our Department of Psychology.

Global research
Distinguished Lecture 2026

We were delighted to host Professor Giuseppe Savaré on 6 May, an Italian mathematician internationally recognised for his contributions to mathematical analysis, variational methods, and optimal transport theory, as this year's speaker in the Distinguished Lecture Series.

Research news
Department hosts International Women’s Day lecture with Professor Mary Rees FRS

On Wednesday 11 March, the Department of Mathematical Sciences was delighted to welcome Professor Mary Rees FRS from the University of Liverpool as the speaker for our annual International Women’s Day lecture. Colleagues, students, and visitors from across the University joined us for an insightful talk, followed by a drinks reception.

Research news

Young children have long-lasting memories of vegetable smells experienced in the womb

Experiencing bitter or non-bitter flavours before birth can shape taste likes or dislikes after being born, according to new research led by our Department of Psychology.

Global research

A young boy wearing glasses and sitting at a table eats a green vegetable from a plate full of vegetables.

Distinguished Lecture 2026

We were delighted to host Professor Giuseppe Savaré on 6 May, an Italian mathematician internationally recognised for his contributions to mathematical analysis, variational methods, and optimal transport theory, as this year's speaker in the Distinguished Lecture Series.

Research news

A photo of the mathematician Professor Giuseppe Savaré

Department hosts International Women’s Day lecture with Professor Mary Rees FRS

On Wednesday 11 March, the Department of Mathematical Sciences was delighted to welcome Professor Mary Rees FRS from the University of Liverpool as the speaker for our annual International Women’s Day lecture. Colleagues, students, and visitors from across the University joined us for an insightful talk, followed by a drinks reception.

Research news