Young Ghanaian Mathematician Angela Tabiri won “World’s Most Interesting Mathematician” title

A young Ghanaian Mathematician, Angela Tabiri has won the “World’s Most Interesting Mathematician” title after tremendous input. Her remarkable achievements will go way up to inspire a new generation of math enthusiasts.

The contest was organised by The Big Internet Math-Off. The the World’s Most Interesting Mathematician contest started on 1 July and ended on 24 July in the United States of America.

The young Mathematician affectionately called the Maths Queen, Tabiri hails from Accra. She has been recognised for her groundbreaking work in the field of mathematics and her innovative approach to solving complex mathematical problems.

Tabiri won this year’s competition, which saw 16 mathematicians from across the world (including lecturers, researchers, writers, and business owners) pitch against each other, explaining how fun, interesting and relevant math is.

Her journey to becoming a renowned mathematician began at a young age when she discovered her passion for numbers and problem-solving. Despite facing challenges and stereotypes as a woman in a male-dominated field, Tabiri persevered and pursued her education in mathematics with determination and resilience.

After graduating from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Ghana in 2014, Angela enrolled in the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) postgraduate diploma program in mathematics. While at ICTP Angela applied for and was awarded the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship in 2015 to fund her PhD in mathematics studies at the University of Glasgow, UK.

In June 2019, she graduated from the University of Glasgow with a PhD in Mathematics. Angela is currently a Research Associate with interest in Quantum Algebra and the Academic Manager for the Girls in Mathematical Sciences Program (GMSP) at AIMS Ghana. The GMSP nurtures the talents of secondary school girls from Ghana to unlock their potential in the mathematical sciences. She organises Science Slam Ghana, a science communication event where researchers present their research to a lay audience in fun and engaging ways.

The young Mathematician Angela Tabiri is the founder of Femafricmaths, a non-governmental organisation that promotes female African mathematicians. She interviews mathsqueens on the Femafricmaths social media pages to inspire young people about the different career options available when you study mathematics. Angela recruits and trains mathsqueens for hands-on mathematics outreach activities for high school students in Ghana. Science in Tents, National STEAM Day and Y3p3maths are a few of these outreach activities.

In February 2024, Angela was selected by the Falling Walls Foundation for the 2024 Female Science Talents Intensive Track Program. Angela was one of 20 exceptionally talented scientists selected from 15 countries for the program. This one year mentoring program promotes female leadership in science, business and society.

Her exceptional talent and dedication to her work have not gone unnoticed.

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Her contributions to the field have been praised for their creativity and originality, earning her the admiration of her peers and mentors.

In addition to her academic achievements, Tabiri is also known for her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in mathematics. She actively mentors young students, especially girls, encouraging them to pursue their interests in STEM fields and break down barriers to entry in the mathematical community.

Tabiri’s recent recognition as the World’s Most Interesting Mathematician is a testament to her exceptional talent and passion for mathematics. Her unique approach to problem-solving and her dedication to advancing the field have set her apart as a trailblazer in the world of mathematics.

As she continues to inspire and empower the next generation of mathematicians, Angela Tabiri’s legacy serves as a shining example of the power of perseverance, hard work, and a love for learning.

Ghana and the global mathematical community are proud to celebrate her achievements and look forward to seeing what groundbreaking discoveries she will make next.

Credit: Asaaseradio