Gauss famously described mathematics as the queen of the sciences. But how should we think of this discipline? Is it an aloof ruler, mysteriously governing the laws of nature? A vital tool for bettering our lot? Or a story that helps us understand nature?  

Professor Minhyong Kim directs the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences and the Centre for Mathematics for Humanity in Edinburgh. He is an accomplished number theorist — particularly within the field of diophantine equations (the Kim in Chabauty-Kim). And a best-selling author on popular mathematics in Korea.