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Hannah Fry

Hannah Fry is a British mathematician, author and broadcaster known for public communication of mathematics and science.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hannah Fry is a British mathematician, author and broadcaster known for public communication of mathematics and science. She is Professor of the Public Understanding of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge and a fellow of Queens' College, Cambridge. Her work and media appearances focus on applying mathematics to human behaviour, cities and everyday life.

Early life and education

Hannah Fry was born in Harlow, Essex, in 1984. She is a British mathematician who studied and worked at University College London.

Career

Fry worked at University College London, including as Professor of the Mathematics of Cities, before moving to the University of Cambridge in 2025. She is also known as a broadcaster, lecturer and author.

Research and public engagement

Her work has focused on mathematical modelling of human behaviour and the use of mathematics in social systems such as transport, shopping and urban crime. She is widely recognised for making mathematics accessible to general audiences.

Books and media

Fry has written popular science books and presented documentaries, radio programmes and podcasts. Her media work has made her a prominent public figure in science communication.

Awards and recognition

Her public engagement in mathematics has been recognised with awards including the Zeeman Medal, the Asimov Prize and the Royal Society David Attenborough Award.

Key facts

  • Fry is a British mathematician and science communicator born in 1984.
  • She became the first Professor of the Public Understanding of Mathematics at Cambridge in 2025.
  • She previously held a professorship in the mathematics of cities at University College London.
  • Her research has examined mathematical patterns in human behaviour and urban systems.
  • She has written popular science books and presented television, radio and podcast programmes.
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Canadian context

She is relevant to Canadian readers through her international science communication work, widely distributed books and broadcasts, and her role in public understanding of mathematics.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Hannah Fry?
She is a British mathematician, author and broadcaster known for science communication and research on human behaviour.
What is Hannah Fry’s current Cambridge role?
She is Professor of the Public Understanding of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge.
Where did Hannah Fry work before Cambridge?
She previously held a professorship in the mathematics of cities at University College London.
What does Hannah Fry research?
Her work has examined mathematical models of human behaviour and urban systems.
What is Hannah Fry known for outside academia?
She is known for presenting television and radio programmes, hosting podcasts and writing popular science books.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Fry
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, career roles, Cambridge appointment, and awards.
  2. University of Cambridge — https://www.maths.cam.ac.uk/features/hannah-fry-appointed-professor-public-understanding-mathematics
    Supports: Cambridge professorship, start date, and recognition including Zeeman Medal and David Attenborough Award.
  3. The Alan Turing Institute — https://www.turing.ac.uk/people/external-researchers/hannah-fry
    Supports: Science communication role, awards, and public engagement with mathematics.
  4. TED — https://www.ted.com/speakers/hannah_fry
    Supports: PhD in fluid dynamics, early career background, and research focus on mathematical systems and human interaction.