Topological data analysis
We all know what data is and you might have heard of topology — it's a study of shapes that is a bit more lenient than geometry and usually at home within pure mathematics.
Topological data analysis (TDA) combines the two, gaining information about real-life data by analysing its shape. It's delivered some amazing successes, for example in cancer research. And in the age of Big Data and AI it holds much promise.
Find out more with this content!
Understanding life with topology
Can topological data analysis create a revolution in the life sciences? Here's a brief introduction to how it works and some of its applications.
Euromaths: Heather Harrington
In this podcast we talk to Heather Harrington, an expert in TDA who gave a special lecture on the subject at the European Congress of Mathematics in 2024.
Topological data analysis with Michael Hill
Find out more about TDA and its applications, not just in the sciences, but also to answer questions surrounding social justice.
Maths in a minute: Topology
When you let go of the notions of distance, area, and angles, all you are left with is holes.
TDA feature extensively at the Topological advances in the life sciences event, organised by the Newton Gateway to Mathematics, in June 2025. The event was part of a longer research programme organised by the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences called Equivariant homotopy theory in context.
This content was produced as part of our collaborations with the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences (INI) and the Newton Gateway to Mathematics.
The INI is an international research centre and our neighbour here on the University of Cambridge's maths campus. The Newton Gateway is the impact initiative of the INI, which engages with users of mathematics. You can find all the content from the collaboration here.
