Zoe Griffiths is not your typical mathematician. She’s a dynamic UK-based maths communicator who has turned what many consider a dry subject into a stage-worthy, globally engaging experience. With roots in both teaching and public engagement, Zoe’s mission is simple: to make maths meaningful, entertaining, and irresistibly fun for everyone — whether you’re a student, teacher, or casual learner.
Through national tours, international workshops, media appearances, and an unforgettable stage presence, Zoe Griffiths is transforming how people see mathematics.
Early Life and Education
Zoe Griffiths pursued her passion for numbers and logic by studying Mathematics and Philosophy as part of the Natural Sciences Tripos at university. Her academic route reflects a deep interest not only in numerical precision but in the philosophical underpinnings of logic and thought — a pairing that makes her communication style both rigorous and relatable.
She went on to complete a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics at the University of Oxford, equipping her with the pedagogical tools to educate and inspire in both classroom and public settings.
From Classroom to National Stage
After beginning her career as a secondary school teacher in Oxfordshire and London, Zoe realised her potential to impact students beyond the confines of a single school. She transitioned into outreach work, initially through the Royal Institution, where she managed the celebrated Mathematics Masterclass programme.
Her move into full-time public engagement saw her work with Think Maths — an initiative founded by renowned stand-up mathematician Matt Parker — before eventually taking over and leading the programme herself. Through this platform, she developed an impressive portfolio of school talks, public lectures, and interactive events designed to reframe what maths can be.
Think Maths and Educational Outreach
Think Maths, under Zoe’s stewardship, has become a staple of innovative maths communication in the UK. The initiative offers talks and workshops in schools and universities, as well as appearances at major science festivals. Zoe’s sessions cover topics ranging from topology and geometry to probability and logical paradoxes, all delivered with flair and wit.
These workshops are not simply informative — they are a full-body experience. Whether she’s demonstrating mathematical magic tricks, challenging students to build geometric models, or engaging in interactive group puzzles, Zoe’s energy captivates learners of all ages.
You can learn more about her work and upcoming events at https://zoelgriffiths.co.uk/.
Signature Style and Stage Presence
Zoe Griffiths is known for her high-energy, humorous, and interactive approach to presenting mathematics. Her workshops are often theatrical — complete with visual props, smoke machines, and even music — to create a memorable and engaging learning experience.
What sets Zoe apart is her ability to blend serious academic rigour with light-hearted fun. Her favourite number is the imaginary unit i, and she often incorporates unexpected elements such as maths-themed cakes or clever puns into her presentations. Her shows are designed not just to teach but to inspire — to leave the audience with a lasting curiosity about the beauty of numbers.
Media and Public Appearances
Zoe Griffiths has made several media appearances, helping to bring maths into mainstream conversations. She’s been featured on BBC Radio 4, contributed to mathematics content online, and is a popular speaker at Maths Inspiration events — a UK-wide programme that takes engaging maths lectures into large theatre venues for teenagers.
Her appearance on Numberphile, one of the most respected mathematics channels on YouTube, has garnered thousands of views. In her video on card memorisation, she explains how binary patterns can be used to remember the order of playing cards — turning what seems like a party trick into an accessible application of mathematical logic.
Championing Women in STEM
Zoe is also a vocal advocate for encouraging girls and young women to explore careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Her visibility as a successful, female maths communicator plays a vital role in breaking stereotypes and providing representation for underrepresented groups in science.
Through mentoring, speaking engagements, and her accessible online presence, Zoe Griffiths actively works to make STEM subjects more inclusive and welcoming. Her talks often highlight how mathematical thinking can be both a powerful academic tool and a gateway to creative expression.
Mathematics as a Creative Art
Zoe is a firm believer that maths is not just about rules and formulas — it’s also a creative discipline. She frequently draws parallels between maths and art, music, and storytelling. Her ability to blend abstract concepts with human experiences makes her talks both intellectually satisfying and emotionally resonant.
One example of this is her mathematical poetry, where she uses verse to explore numeric beauty. Or her baking hobby, where cakes become edible tributes to pi, fractals, and geometry.
This blending of disciplines helps her connect with diverse audiences — from young learners to experienced professionals — making mathematics feel not only accessible but inspiring.
International Engagements
Zoe’s impact isn’t limited to the UK. She has travelled extensively to deliver talks and workshops across Europe and beyond. Her international presence includes appearances at festivals, schools, and conferences, where she shares the magic of mathematics with global audiences.
These sessions often draw from culturally relevant themes, and Zoe ensures that her delivery adapts to the educational contexts of the countries she visits — further reinforcing her commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Testimonials and Community Impact
Educators, students, and parents frequently praise Zoe’s work for its originality, warmth, and effectiveness. Teachers report that her visits spark renewed interest in maths, while students often describe her talks as the moment they realised maths could be “fun” or “cool.”
Community organisers appreciate her contributions to science festivals, where she’s become a familiar and highly anticipated face. Her ability to hold the attention of large, diverse crowds is testament to her charisma and depth of knowledge.
Online Presence and Resources
Zoe maintains a well-designed website offering information about her talks, booking details, and free educational resources. She also shares insights and humour through her social media channels, offering a lighter take on topics such as mathematical misconceptions, logical puzzles, and STEM outreach.
Her website — https://zoelgriffiths.co.uk/ — is the hub for all things Zoe, including videos, blog posts, contact details, and testimonials.
Conclusion: Why Zoe Griffiths Matters
Zoe Griffiths is more than just a mathematics educator — she’s a cultural ambassador for numeracy, creativity, and inclusive learning. By transforming maths into a stage-worthy experience, she challenges conventional notions of what it means to “get” maths and who it’s for.
Her work is essential at a time when science communication is increasingly important. In classrooms, theatres, and online platforms, Zoe Griffiths is helping to build a generation that sees maths not as a chore, but as a fascinating, imaginative journey.
