Simon's Topics

Over the years, I have created a series of talk based on the following topics. The talks are not technical, and have been delivered to a variety of audiences, from
10-year-olds to professors.

Fermat's Last Theorem
A history of the most notorious and romantic problem in the history of mathematics. Find out more about the subject in the Fermat Corner.

History of Encryption
Encoding and code breaking from Ancient Rome to the Internet.

Invention of Public Key Cryptography
Public key crypto is the technology that enables privacy on the Internet and it is one of the most amazing inventions in history.

The Enigma Cipher
The story of the German World War II cipher. This talk involves demonstrating a genuine Enigma machine.

Cracking the Cipher Challenge
When I wrote The Code Book, I included a 10 stage code challenge with a prize of £10,000 for the winner. This is the story of the Cipher Challenge and it includes a history of cryptography.

Stealing Secrets and Cracking Codes
A talk about codes and code breaking aimed at yougner children.

Cryptography in the Classroom
A talk aimed at teachers, which explains how codes can be used to stimulate an interest in mathematics and history.

Mathematics in the Movies
Believe it or not, mathematics and Hollywood are natural bedfellows and this lecture proves it.

Risk, Chance and Gambling
The mathematics of probability. Our lives are dominated by uncertainties and this talk explains how to exploit them to your advantage.

Theatre of Science
A show involving Richard Wiseman and myself, in which he explores the psychology of deceit and I explore the world of probability. Click to find out more about this theatrical project.