This event will consist of several short talks on a variety of topics relating to sport. This includes a talk from University of Glasgow's Jenn Gaskell titled
“Using Machine Learning to Run Faster” a talk from the Fraser of Allander Institute (University of Strathclyde) on "
Economic contribution of Scottish Professional Football". The full schedule will be circulated closer to the time. This will be followed by a public lecture by Jessica Hargreaves (University of York) on the "
Hidden Maths of Glasgow 2026 & What the rankings say about the World Cup"
Scotland has an exciting sporting summer ahead, with the men’s national football team taking part in the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, and Glasgow hosting the Commonwealth games.
We are therefore excited to be able to invite you to two
Statistics in Sport events which will take place within the School of Mathematics and Statistics on the afternoon of
Thursday 28th May, in association with the University of Glasgow's School of Mathematics and Statistics, Royal Statistical Society’s Glasgow local group and Royal Statistical Society’s Statistics in Sport section.
Details of both events are outlined below – please share with your networks!
This event will consist of several short talks on a variety of topics relating to sport. This includes a talk from University of Glasgow's Jenn Gaskell titled
“Using Machine Learning to Run Faster” a talk from the Fraser of Allander Institute (University of Strathclyde) on "
Economic contribution of Scottish Professional Football". The full schedule will be circulated closer to the time.
Public Lecture (5:30pm-6:30pm, followed by drinks reception – Room 110, Mathematics & Statistics Building, University of Glasgow/online)
Jessica Hargreaves (University of York) - The Hidden Maths of Glasgow 2026 & What the rankings say about the World Cup
Jessica Hargreaves is Lecturer in Data Science at the University of York, and the Chair of the Royal Statistical Society’s Statistics in Sport section. Jess also co-hosts the podcast/YouTube channel “
The Corridor of Uncertainty” which covers the intersection between mathematics and sport.
Jess will discuss some of the hidden mathematics behind the Commonwealth Games, including predicting the medals table for the event. The talk will also discuss how Elo rankings can be used to predict the World Cup, including the outcome of a potential Scotland v England match.
If you would like to attend the public event, please complete the form at the following link – this will allow us to arrange catering and also circulate the Teams link to those planning to attend online.
https://forms.gle/7L1YDMyjA1UfsaKz5
Jessica Hargreaves (University of York)
Jenn Gaskell (University of Glasgow)
Jack Williamson and Aidan Rooney (Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde)
Others TBC
Ryan Stewart (ryan.stewart@strath.ac.uk)
Craig Anderson (craig.anderson@glasgow.ac.uk)