Ghanian Angela Tabiri Grabs World’s Most Interesting Mathematician

Angela Tabiri, a young mathematician from Ghana, has captured global attention by winning the prestigious title of the World’s Most Interesting Mathematician. This accolade was bestowed upon her by The Big Internet Math-Off, a renowned competition held from 1 July to 24 July in the United States.

Affectionately known as the Maths Queen, Tabiri’s journey began in Accra, where her love for numbers and problem-solving took root at a young age. Despite the challenges and stereotypes women face in the male-dominated field of mathematics, she remained undeterred, pursuing her passion with determination and resilience.

After graduating from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Ghana in 2014, Angela’s quest for knowledge took her to the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP). There, she was awarded the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship in 2015, enabling her to pursue a PhD in mathematics at the University of Glasgow. She graduated with her doctorate in June 2019 and is a Research Associate focusing on Quantum Algebra and the Academic Manager for the Girls in Mathematical Sciences Programme (GMSP) at AIMS Ghana.

Tabiri’s influence extends beyond her academic achievements. She founded Femafricmaths, an NGO promoting female African mathematicians, and interviews “mathsqueens” on social media to inspire young people about the myriad career options available in mathematics. Through various outreach activities like Science in Tents, National STEAM Day, and Y3p3maths, she recruits and trains female mathematicians to engage high school students in Ghana.

In February 2024, Angela was selected for the Falling Walls Foundation’s Female Science Talents Intensive Track Programme, joining 19 other exceptionally talented scientists from 15 countries. This mentoring programme is designed to foster female leadership in science, business, and society.

Angela Tabiri’s remarkable journey and recent recognition as the World’s Most Interesting Mathematician highlight her exceptional talent and passion for mathematics. Her innovative approach to problem-solving and her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion set her apart as a trailblazer in the field.

As she continues to inspire and empower future generations of mathematicians, Angela Tabiri’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and a love for learning. Her achievements bring pride to Ghana and the global mathematical community, and her future contributions are eagerly anticipated.