Mathematical models are used in many different disciplines for helping to understand, or make predictions about, the real world. Examples include weather forecasting, or understanding the spread of an infectious disease.

However, a mathematical model is not useful for these purposes unless it is “calibrated”. The calibration process uses observations of the real world (e.g. recent weather in the case of weather forecasting) to ensure the model is representative of reality.

We demonstrate how models are calibrated using an interactive session, and begin to understand how this process involves many branches of mathematical sciences, including differentiation, integration, matrix algebra, programming, probability and statistics.

To arrange a session, contact Elke Thonnes on E.Thonnes@warwick.ac.uk.

Note: Events are subject to staff availability and priority is given to schools that are:

• Local to Coventry and Warwickshire
• Have a high proportion of students who meet the targets set out in the Warwick Access and Participation Plan.