Watch Support Search What's on Education Christmas Lectures Our history About Blog About → Organisation → Team → Masterclasses → Diane Crann → Diane Crann Clothworkers’ Fellow in Mathematics, Masterclass Programme Manager Credit: Royal Institution Role Diane has overall responsibility for the Ri's Mathematics and Engineering Masterclass Programmes. The national network of Ri Mathematics Masterclasses delivers series of sessions over a number of weeks to mathematically able young people by professional mathematicians. Five years ago Engineering Masterclasses were piloted in a similar manner and were so well-received that many series are being set up around the UK with support from the engineering industry. About Diane obtained her first degree from The Open University and PhD in Mathematics from The University of Hertfordshire. She is a Trustee of the UKMT and Member of Council of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, as well as committee member for the London and South East branch of the Institute of Physics. Scientific inspiration Having spent a good deal of my time over the past twenty years in arranging mathematics, science, engineering and computer science masterclasses for both primary and secondary students, I believe passionately that mathematics and science, if delivered in an appropriate manner, can be accessible to all ages. Most people find inspiration in mathematics through a particular teacher at school. Although I was very good at maths and spent most of my childhood spare time reading, I left school at 16 with few qualifications. In my early 30s I decided to pick up studying again and chose maths because I thought you wouldn’t have to ‘write stories’. How wrong I was, when it got to higher levels and a PhD. Now I love supporting fantastic mathematicians and engineers and helping them to inspire the next generation. Favourite number I love numbers but particularly useful is algebra. Most people can’t understand the use of it but it’s a wonderfully simple tool. If I had to choose one particular number, it would probably be π - such a simple number but so much history and number puzzles surrounding it. Best thing about the Ri I love the Ri for inspiring young people – to stand at the door of an event when people enter the theatre and hear the “Wows!” reminds me every time why we’re doing this. To go into a group of bright young people and get them discussing mathematics on topics way beyond their normal school curriculum is inspiring for me. Related content Masterclasses Find out more About Masterclasses Find out more Our networks Find out more Get involved in Masterclasses Find out more Learn Masterclasses L'Oréal Young Scientist Centre Events for the whole family Science shows Interactive games Christmas Lectures Visit News What's On Food & Drink The Faraday Museum Heritage tours Find us Support Donate to the Ri Join the Ri Renew your Membership Corporate Partnerships 14-10 Club Events Jobs Keep in touch Keep up to date with regular emails from the Ri © Royal Institution 2013 Facebook Twitter Youtube Venue Hire Press T&Cs Privacy Policy Accessibility Contact Us