King's College London

Who are you and what is your area of research?

I am Professor of Econophysics and my areas of research are Econophysics, complex systems, complex networks and Data science.

Tell us about something you are working on at the moment - what is exciting about it?

 Several research topics including: Multiscaling in finance - Estimating multiscaling from empirical data is challenging but by performing robust and statistical significant procedures relevant information can be extracted from data and used by risk managers and practitioners. One of my recent papers is attached, this is referenced in the International Review of Financial Analysis. Let me also mention Economic Fitness and Complexity, a recent economic discipline and methodology developed in Rome by the group of Professor Pietronero, President of the Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche “E. Fermi”, www.cref.it,  where I am a member of the Board of Directors.  

What is the best thing about mathematics?

Applied Mathematics allows us to look at real-world problems.

 What do you think is holding women back from pursuing a career/degree in the maths field?

Not enough good and real support for women working in this field.

 What is the most unexpectedly pleasant event that has happened to you since entering mathematics?

I became the first Professor of Econophysics in the world....

What inspired you to take up mathematics?

I am a physicist by training, and I have been inspired by my high school physics professor.

What do you hope to achieve through your work at King’s?

A real breakthrough research outcome useful for the society at large.

What are the biggest challenges you encounter in your research field?

All challenges due to its interdisciplinary nature.

 Tell us about a way maths affects everyday life in 2022

Applied Maths' ability to deal with any type of complex data. Data are everywhere and they carry information. Understanding data means to understand our life.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying maths?

Do it only if you love it!

What are your thoughts on maths in general and women in mathematics?

Mathematics is going through an important transformation due to the demand in our society and in this respect applied maths might contribute hugely to create real impact. Women in Mathematics never give up. Things will improve with time..we are still not there as we should but with time we will be!