Since his time at Warwick earning a PhD in mathematics (1977-81), James Franklin has worked in the School of Mathematics at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. His work has developed some unusual connections between mathematics and the humanities. His 2001 book, The Science of Conjecture (2001) dealt with the history of probability before mathematicians got to it. His book on Australian philosophy, Corrupting the Youth, was given the lead review in the Times Literary Supplement of in June 2004.  A paper, 'On the parallel between mathematics and morals', arguing that ethics is as objective as mathematics, was largely responsible for the award of the 2005 Eureka Prize for Research in Ethics. A new book, Catholic Values and Australian Realities, was launched in April. As a contribution to intellectual hygiene, he maintains the 'Australia's wackiest academic websites' page, which displays some of the worst excesses of taxpayer-funded academia. In his teaching of mathematics, he has developed courses on Professional Issues and Ethics in Mathematics, which aim to give mathematics undergraduates some realistic view of the workplaces they will enter after graduation, and to equip them with the necessary communications skills for life in the real world.

More information at: www.maths.unsw.edu.au/~jim