Thomas Waring

Research

My research with the MCDS has been eclectic so far, predominantly focused on questions of effective management in biosecurity and ecology. In a past life, I studied applications of algebraic geometry to computer science and logic.

Q & A

What do you enjoy most about research?
I have always enjoyed the challenge: from physics through pure maths into data science, I love to tackle problems that don’t have an obvious answer. Talking to other researchers is another highlight; I really believe that everyone you meet knows something you don’t, and I feel very lucky to be able to learn from all of the smart people around me.

What do you enjoy reading?
I read all sorts! Recently I have loved Sally Olds’ collection People Who Lunch, and I come back to the novels of W.G. Sebald often. I can’t say that I often read science-related books, but Carlo Rovelli’s Seven Brief Lessons in Physics is incredible — the way he captures cutting-edge modern concepts with such lucid beauty is an inspiration.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I do lots of cooking and gardening, and I love to spend warm days swimming or basking in the sunshine.

Name one fun fact about you.
I never studied undergraduate-level probability or statistics! Whenever anyone mentions a “t-test” I just smile and nod.