Institute of Physics: The Life and Legacy of Emmy Noether

This lecture explores the life and legacy of Emmy Noether, one of the most important figures in twentieth-century mathematics and theoretical physics. It introduces her groundbreaking work on the relationship between symmetries and conservation laws, and explains why her theorem remains central to mathematical physics today.

The talk also looks at the barriers Noether faced as a woman in academia, including prejudice during her education and early career. It places her achievements in context, showing how her contributions to abstract algebra and physics reshaped how scientists understand the fundamental universe.

The event is presented by Molly McDermott MSc, MPhys, an early-career theoretical physicist and recent graduate of the University of Edinburgh and Durham University. The lecture is organised by the IOP Lancashire & Cumbria Branch Committee and takes place in person at Lakes College in Workington.