Ruth Margaret Williams facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ruth M Williams
Born	1945 (age 79–80) Birmingham, UK
Alma mater	Girton College, Cambridge (BA) Imperial College, London (PhD)
Scientific career
Fields	Mathematics General Relativity Discrete Gravity
Institutions	Imperial College, London Center for Theoretical Studies, University of Miami University of Bristol University of Cambridge
Thesis	Current Algebras in Elementary Particle Physics (1968)
Doctoral advisor	Paul Taunton Matthews

Ruth Margaret Williams is a British mathematician born in 1945. She is known for her important work in mathematics and physics. She has spent many years researching at the University of Cambridge. Her main area of study is called discrete gravity.

Early Life and Education

Ruth Williams was born in Birmingham, England. She went to primary schools in Lozells and Banners Gate. Later, she attended Sutton Coldfield High School for Girls. She was the first person in her family to go to university.

University Studies

Williams studied mathematics at Girton College, Cambridge. After that, she went to Imperial College, London, to earn her PhD. Her PhD research was in theoretical physics. She focused on something called current algebras.

Postdoctoral Research

After getting her PhD, Williams worked as a researcher. She had a postdoctoral position at the Center for Theoretical Studies, University of Miami from 1968 to 1970. She then returned to Imperial College for more research. From 1973 to 1974, she was a temporary lecturer at the University of Bristol. In 1974, she went back to Girton College as a research fellow.

A Career in Academia

In 1976, Ruth Williams became an Official Fellow and Lecturer at Girton College. She also became the Director of Studies in Mathematics there. She held these important roles until she retired in 2012.

Roles at Cambridge University

At the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge, she also held several positions. She was a temporary lecturer from 1991 to 1994. Then, she became an Assistant Director of Research from 1994 to 2002. From 2002 until her retirement in 2012, she was a Reader in Mathematical Physics. Even after retiring, she remains a Life Fellow at Girton College. Throughout her time at Cambridge, she taught and guided students in many theoretical physics courses.

Exploring the Universe Through Research

Ruth Williams's early research was about tiny particles, known as elementary particle physics. Later, she started working on general relativity. This is a theory by Albert Einstein that explains gravity and how big things like planets move.

Combining Ideas: Quantum Gravity

Eventually, she brought her two interests together. She began working on quantum gravity. This field tries to combine the rules of the very small (quantum mechanics) with the rules of the very big (general relativity). Scientists hope to find a single theory that explains everything in the universe.

Understanding Discrete Gravity

Williams's special way of studying quantum gravity is called Regge calculus. Imagine trying to understand a curved surface, like a dome. Instead of thinking of it as perfectly smooth, Regge calculus breaks it down into many small, flat pieces, like triangles. This is similar to how geodesic domes are built from flat panels.

Regge Calculus in Action

In Regge calculus, curved space-times (which combine space and time) are approximated by collections of these flat pieces, called simplices. Williams's work explored how model universes would change over time using this method. She also used computer simulations to study discrete quantum gravity. Her research helped show how Regge calculus relates to the traditional "continuum theory" of gravity. She has written about 100 research papers on her findings.

Sharing Knowledge

Ruth Williams believes in sharing her passion for mathematics. She has given talks about her research to many groups. These include student societies, high school students, and even younger pupils.

Inspiring Young Mathematicians

She was also the Treasurer for the Cambridgeshire branch of the Royal Institution Mathematics Workshops. This group runs special Saturday morning sessions. These sessions are designed to help 12- and 13-year-olds in the local area get excited about mathematics.

Supporting Women in STEM

Williams has always cared deeply about making sure women can achieve their full potential in mathematics. She was encouraged by another mathematician, Dusa McDuff. Together, they started the British Women in Mathematics Day. This event is now held every year. It helps support and celebrate women in mathematics.

Personal Life

Ruth Williams was married to Jan Saxl. He was a mathematician from the Czech Republic and a Professor of Algebra at the University of Cambridge. They had one daughter named Miriam.