Maths Craft's Phil Wilson will give a public talk on fractals at Nerd Nite in Christchurch on 1 April 2026.
Title: Fractals: Finding Infinity in Small Places
Speaker: Dr Phil Wilson (University of Canterbury and Maths Craft New Zealand)
Abstract: Phil Wilson explores the strange world of fractals, where tiny shapes contain endless detail and simple rules produce astonishing complexity. Along the way, he'll reveal why fractals are more than just pretty pictures - and not always quite what people think.
Bio: Dr Phil Wilson is the Deputy Director of Maths Craft New Zealand, Senior Lecturer (Above the Bar) at the University of Canterbury, and Principal Investigator with Te Pūnaha Matatini. Beyond Maths Craft, Phil is a researcher in applied mathematics and the philosophy of science. In recent years, Phil and his mathematician partner Jeanette McLeod (Director of Maths Craft New Zealand, and mathematician at the University of Canterbury and Te Pūnaha Matatini) have successfully woven Maths Craft into their research and teaching as part of their ongoing mission to integrate engagement and academia. Their outreach efforts have been widely recognised, earning numerous awards, including the NZMS Gillian Thornley Award and the NZAS Cranwell Medal for science communication.
