Dr. Rosemary J. Harris will give a public lecture on how actuaries use mathematics. She will take attendees on an interactive journey through actuarial mathematics, from Edmond Halley's historical work to a recent appearance by Matt Damon. Attendees will learn about probabilistic modeling and its real-world applications in risk management and the financial sector. They will also see how an actuary's job involves simple calculations and entertaining examples. The lecture will be held on March 11, 2015 from 6-7pm at iThemba LABS in Somerset West, South Africa. Light refreshments will be served.

1. Public Lecture
by Dr. Rosemary J. Harris
Was Matt Damon right? (How actuaries use mathematics)
We will take an interactive journey through actuarial mathematics, ranging from the historical work of
Edmond Halley (best known as an astronomer) to a recent media appearance by Matt Damon. Along
the way we will see the importance of probabilistic modelling in real-world applications and risk
management, for example, in the financial realm.
Come along to find out more about an actuary's job with the help of simple calculations and
entertaining examples.
Dr. Rosemary Harris, joined QMUL in 2007 as a lecturer in Applied Mathematics. She has a D.Phil. in Theoretical
Physics from the University of Oxford and held postdoctoral research positions at the Forschungszentrum Jülich and
the Universität des Saarlandes.
Her Research interests are focused on stochastic non-equilibrium processes including:
 interacting particle systems, large deviations, fluctuation relations
 applications, e.g., traffic, econophysics, biological modelling.
DETAILS:
This fascinating lecture is open for the public to attend at no cost.
Venue: iThemba LABS, Old Faure Road, Faure,
Somerset West
Date: Wednesday, 11 March 2015
Time: 18h00 – 19h00
RSVP: 021 843 1021 or luchricia@tlabs.ac.za
More info: www.tlabs.ac.za
(Light refreshments will be served.)