Diversifying STEM Curriculum Event: Discussing Fisher
Join us for a discussion on Sir Ronald Aylmer Fisher, a British statistician and geneticist, who pioneered the development of experimental design and the application of statistical methods in science. An influential figure in British scientific history, his work brought Darwinism into the genetic era and his contributions remain relevant today. Fisher, however, was also a leading eugenicist who co-founded the Cambridge University Eugenics Society. Our panellists will highlight and discuss Fisher’s work and contributions from an historical and STEM perspective, while also exploring the challenges that some of his views pose in the modern world.

Our panellists include:


Dr Alex Aylward – Departmental Lecturer in History of Science, Faculty of History
Dr Maria Christodoulou – Senior Statistical Consultant, Department of Statistics
Professor Alan Grafen, Professor of Theoretical Biology, Biology Department


The panellists will introduce the topic from different perspectives of science and history, before opening the conversation for audience Q&A. This event is the first in a series which will build on the MPLS and History of Science Diversifying STEM Curriculum project, looking to engage staff and students with topics that are relevant to the existing curricula across STEM subjects.

Numbers are limited so registration is essential – see link below.
Date: 24 January 2024, 17:30 (Wednesday, 2nd week, Hilary 2024)
Venue: Keble College, Parks Road OX1 3PG
Venue Details: and online
Speakers: Alex Aylward (Oxford), Maria Christodoulou (Oxford), Alan Grafen (Oxford)
Organising department: Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS)
Organiser contact email address: diversity@mpls.ox.ac.uk
Booking required?: Required
Booking url: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=G96VzPWXk0-0uv5ouFLPkSChXOeSjOdEvSVa_w4VErtUOTFBU01GUEpPOTlIRFJYQU0ySk5JWjQ0TC4u
Audience: Members of the University only
Editor: Belinda Clark