Hannah Fry Wins the Leelavati Prize in 2026 for Mathematics Outreach
5 hours ago
- Professor Hannah Fry has been awarded the Leelavati Prize at the International Congress of Mathematicians for outstanding contributions to increasing public awareness of mathematics.
- She is the first Professor of the Public Understanding of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, joining in January 2025.
- The prize citation highlights her as a global ambassador for mathematical thinking, using books, videos, and TV to translate mathematics into a language of wonder and relevance.
- Fry describes mathematics as 'wonderful secrets' she wants to share, emphasizing the joy of communication.
- The Leelavati Prize is awarded every four years by the International Mathematical Union and is announced at the ICM alongside Fields Medals.
- She has received numerous honors, including an Emmy (2025), Webby Award (2026), and recognition from Time as one of the 100 most influential digital creators (2026).
- Fry inspires the next generation through events like the Ri Christmas Lectures and Cambridge workshops.
- She believes the key to connecting with audiences is creating a 'hole in people’s imagination' to spark curiosity.